MADISON – Today, Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) joined Senator Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick), Representative Greta Neubauer (D-Racine), and other Democratic colleagues to release the Forward on Climate Package – a slate of legislation aimed at addressing climate change in Wisconsin. This package of twenty-two bills is designed to create good, family-supporting jobs, reduce inequality, and fight climate change through Wisconsin-centered policy. These bills were designed with input from hundreds of people across Wisconsin and through the Governor’s Task Force on Climate Change.
Senator Agard released the following statement:
“Climate change is an urgent crisis facing our state, nation, and world. We must work together to take bold, tangible steps to address this climate emergency. In order to create a state where people want to live, work, play, recreate, and plant their roots; we need to make sure we are protecting our natural spaces but also taking long term action to protect our environment.
“I am proud to lead on several provisions in the Forward of Climate package, including policies to create climate-centered transportation planning, funding for climate science positions, reducing food waste, updating building codes, and encouraging green energy usage.
“From our beautiful lakes, state parks, diverse wildlife, and more – Wisconsin’s environment and natural resources are vital, and must be fiercely protected. The Forward on Climate package takes innovative steps to acknowledge and address climate change in our state, protect our rich natural resources, and create family sustaining jobs. From supporting our farmers, to building our clean-energy manufacturing sector, to investing in our kids and our schools – these bills build up our communities and bring new opportunities to everyone in our state.
“Climate change is an intersectional issue – it is a public health issue, a racial justice issue, an economic issue. We must take this seriously. The time to act is now.”
