Gov. Evers Announces Plan to Join U.S. Climate Alliance 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 12, 2019 
Contact: GovPress@wisconsin.gov or (608) 219-7443

MADISON – Governor Tony Evers today announced his plans to join the U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of governors committed to implementing the Paris climate accord on a state level to combat climate change. 

The Alliance was formed in June 2017 in response to President Trump’s announced intent to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement. By joining the Alliance, governors commit to: 

• Implement policies that advance the goals of the Paris Agreement, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emission by at least 26-28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025
• Track and report progress to the global community in appropriate settings, including when the world convenes to take stock of the Paris Agreement
• Accelerate new and existing policies to reduce carbon pollution and promote clean energy deployment at the state and federal level. 

“It’s a new day in Wisconsin and it’s time to lead our state in a new direction where we embrace science, where we discuss the very real implications of climate change, where we work to find solutions, and where we invest in renewable energy,” said Gov. Evers. “By joining the U.S. Climate Alliance, we will have support in demonstrating that we can take climate action while growing our economy at the same time.” 

Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes has made it the mission of his office to focus on equity and sustainability, as well as the important issue of environmental justice. 

“For far too long clean energy hasn’t been a priority in our state and we’re going to change that,” said Lt. Gov. Barnes. “We’re also going to focus on better understanding how climate change is disproportionately affecting communities of color and how it’s impacting our farmers and the most rural parts of our state.” 

Gov. Evers and Lt. Gov. Barnes are committed to being innovative and forward thinking when it comes to clean energy and combating climate change. As they work with the bipartisan Alliance, Evers and Barnes will explore new energy saving goals for state agencies, increasing the use of solar power in Wisconsin, and helping businesses and communities make smart energy choices. 

“Climate change poses a real threat to Wisconsin’s communities and economy, with drought, heat-waves, and flooding likely becoming more severe across the region. By joining the U.S. Climate Alliance, Governor Evers is showing the nation that he intends to lead on climate action, and we look forward to working with the governor on his priorities like investing in transportation infrastructure, locally-produced renewable energy, and natural and working lands across the state,” U.S. Climate Alliance Executive Director Julie Cerqueira said. 

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