Contact: John Imes at 608-280-0360 (c) 608-712-7898
To learn more online: www.weigogreener.org
The Green New Deal: Wisconsin’s Call to Action
Today’s Tech Council luncheon offers diverse perspectives on a Green New Deal for Wisconsin.
MADISON, Wis. – The Green New Deal resolution introduced in Congress calls for a massive U.S. mobilization over 10 years to achieve the goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions while creating millions of high-wage jobs and sustainable economic growth. At the Tech Council Innovation Network luncheon meeting today in Madison, John Imes, executive director of the Wisconsin Environmental Initiative will talk about the many ways Wisconsin can make headway on the goals and objectives outlined in the Green New Deal, including:
- Meeting a 100 percent renewable energy goal by using solar, wind, biomass and energy efficiency while creating 162,000 clean energy jobs and bringing over $14 billion in economic activity back in the state.
- Rethinking transportation using electrically-powered fleets, transit, and school buses to reduce health impacts from air pollutants and work towards the goal of zero emissions.
- Accelerating green retrofits of existing buildings to spur energy and water efficiency that meets rigorous standards.
- The “Greening of Foxconn” and other businesses to achieve higher levels of performance to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and target incentives to firms that achieve superior environmental results.
- Using regenerative agriculture practices to increase farmer’s profits, rebuild soils, clean our waterways, and expand renewable energy.
- Investing in clean infrastructure and restore natural systems to build resilience and mitigate the effects of climate change.
“The Green New Deal is a call to action. Wisconsin needs an economy that works for everyone, invests in innovative policies, and takes care of workers,” said John Imes, executive director of the Wisconsin Environmental Initiative. “By investing in clean energy, clean manufacturing, water stewardship, and regenerative agriculture while we “green” our infrastructure and electrify our transportation, we can address climate change and create a more resilient, vibrant and thriving Wisconsin.”
The luncheon will be held at The Coliseum Bar & Banquet on Madison’s E. Olin Ave. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m., lunch at noon and the presentation at 12:30 p.m.
Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council will moderate the session that includes a presentation by Tim Donohue, executive director of the Great Lakes BioenergyResearch Center at the UW-Madison about the future of bioenergy and bioproducts plus additional perspectives by Scott Coenen, executive director of the Wisconsin Conservative Energy Forum.
Founded in 1995, the Wisconsin Environmental Initiative is a nonprofit organization that develops and promotes initiatives that are great for the environment and economy. www.weigogreener.org
