“The fact that the federal government took a step back does not reduce the state’s responsibility — it increases it,” said CAWI’s executive director, Robert Kraig. “States have to pick up the slack and become the laboratories of making democracy work – because democracy succeeds and thrives if it solves our biggest problems.”
The bill, which was introduced by two key CAWI allies, State Rep. Supreme Moore Omokunde and State Sen. Chris Larson, calls for a 52 percent reduction in carbon emissions by the end of the decade and full carbon neutrality in 2050.
“We are stewards of future generations, and we must take bold steps now to ensure a sustainable and livable planet,” Moore Omokunde said at a press conference to introduce the draft legislation with CAWI and other backers of the bill on March 4. “We cannot continue burning fossil fuels without a viable plan for alternatives that benefit both urban and rural Wisconsinites.”
Advocacy groups supporting the bill include 350 Wisconsin, the Sierra Club Wisconsin Chapter, Healthy Climate Wisconsin and the Union of Concerned Scientists.
Wisconsin must step up,” said Larson. “The effects of climate change are already visible, from extreme storms to declining air quality. We cannot afford to ignore this crisis.”