Democratic lawmakers introduced a new climate accountability bill on Tuesday, aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050.
The bill, spearheaded by Citizen Action of Wisconsin and supported by Democratic legislators from both chambers, seeks to establish a concrete plan for the state to address climate change with a combination of energy conservation and renewable energy policies.
“This might be the simplest substantive policy bill of the whole legislative session,” said Robert Craig, executive director of Citizen Action in Wisconsin. “Climate science is clear: in order to prevent the worst effects of climate change, we need to cut emissions in half by 2030. What the Legislature lacks is a plan to achieve that goal, and this bill ensures we develop one.”
The five-sentence legislation does not prescribe specific pathways but mandates that state lawmakers devise a comprehensive strategy to meet the necessary reductions.
Rep. Supreme Moore Omokunde, D-Milwaukee, a lead sponsor of the bill, invoked Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 's call for the “fierce urgency of now” to stress the importance of immediate action on climate change.
“We are stewards of future generations, and we must take bold steps now to ensure a sustainable and livable planet,” Moore Omokunde said. “There are many pathways to achieving our goals, but the journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. We cannot continue burning fossil fuels without a viable plan for alternatives that benefit both urban and rural Wisconsinites.”
The legislation, referred to as the Climate Accountability Act, seeks to address environmental justice issues by ensuring that future policies center on racial and class equity. Rep. Francesca Hong, D-Madison, emphasized the economic benefits of transitioning to renewable energy, pointing out the potential for long-term, family-sustaining green jobs.
Sen. Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee, another sponsor, criticized federal rollbacks on climate policies and stressed the need for state leadership.
“The federal administration has abandoned its responsibility to tackle climate change,” Larson said. “Wisconsin must step up. The effects of climate change are already visible, from extreme storms to declining air quality. We cannot afford to ignore this crisis.”
Wisconsin currently lags behind the national average in renewable energy production. In 2023, the state generated just 10.5% of its electricity from renewable sources, less than half the national average of 24.1%. Lawmakers pointed out that investing in clean energy could keep billions of dollars in the state, rather than spending on imported fossil fuels.
“Every dollar spent on out-of-state coal is money lost to Wisconsin’s economy,” Larson added. “By prioritizing clean energy, we not only reduce emissions but also create jobs and lower long-term costs for residents.”
The bill aligns with Gov. Tony Evers’ Clean Energy Plan and builds on existing state efforts. The legislation faces opposition from Republican lawmakers, but its sponsors hope bipartisan support will emerge as economic and environmental concerns grow.
“Climate change is not a partisan issue; it’s a reality,” Moore Omokunde said. “This bill provides a responsible and necessary plan to ensure that Wisconsin leads in creating a sustainable future.”
The Climate Accountability Act will next move to committee for further discussion and potential amendments.
