Gov. Evers establishes commission on clean energy

MADISON, Wis. (WMDX) – Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers is establishing a new commission and fund promoting clean energy in the state.

The Green Ribbon Commission on Clean Energy and Environmental Innovation will help create the Green Innovation Fund, which will invest in clean energy options for businesses and residences as well as reduce pollution, according to a release from Evers’ office.

Executive Order #195 will allocate federal funding for the commission, which will include members of the Wisconsin Department of Administration, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and others appointed by the governor. Evers has also proposed establishing in statute a new Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy as well as other funding in his state budget proposal.

“This Commission is an important step forward in doing that and to ensuring this Fund is successful in building a sustainable, clean energy economy for the future,” Evers said.

The Green Innovation Fund will leverage public and private financing and use the "green bank" model to invest in projects that support clean energy solutions for businesses, reduce pollution, lower energy costs for families, and expand access to clean, affordable energy options. pic.twitter.com/TsixgTs47h

— Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) April 19, 2023

“Wisconsin is ready for bold and urgent solutions to the climate crisis, and creating the Green Innovation Fund will not only help propel our state forward towards our clean energy goals and enable our state to leverage federal funding available under the Inflation Reduction Act, but it will establish Wisconsin as a leader in innovative technology and clean energy,” Evers said.

The goals of the fund are to develop clean energy projects in the state and reduce energy costs for residents. According to a release, more details about the fund will be released at a later date.

Evers’ office said that similar “green banks” have been established in Colorado, Illinois and Nevada. The Wisconsin plan is similar to those states, combining private and public funding to help projects in clean energy and provide jobs and training.