Number
201620
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
131035, 190445
Sponsor
ALD. KOVAC, LEWIS, DODD, RAINEY AND HAMILTON
Title
Substitute resolution joining the Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition (WLGCC).
Analysis
This substitute resolution approves of the City of Milwaukee officially joining the Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition (WLGCC). It further authorizes the Office of the City Attorney and Environmental Collaboration Office to intervene on contested rate cases, dockets, investigations, and other proceedings before the Wisconsin Public Service Commission that relate to the City’s greenhouse gas reduction goals.
Body
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee has cause for concern regarding the negative impacts of climate change on greater society and within the local community insofar as climate change increases the risk of flooding, extreme weather, public infrastructure damage, and economic loss; and
Whereas, Addressing and mitigating the major contributing factors, such as the burning of fossil fuels, is imperative to slow climate change and protect the public welfare; and
Whereas, On December 17, 2013, the Common Council adopted Resolution File Number 131035, approving ReFresh Milwaukee: City of Milwaukee Sustainability Plan 2013-2023 as the City’s first sustainability plan and directing its implementation; and
Whereas, On June 18, 2019, the Common Council passed File Number 190445, Substitute resolution relating to the creation of a City-County Task Force on Climate and Economic Equity; and
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee has established a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 and is currently developing a Climate and Equity Plan; and
Whereas, The State of Wisconsin has a goal of 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050, and local governments are important actors to help implement the State’s goal and Clean Energy Plan; and
Whereas, The Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition (WLGCC) is comprised of local governments that work together to seek low-carbon and clean energy solutions, and members recognize that climate change poses severe risks to communities and that the worst effects of climate change cannot be avoided without effective State policy; and
Whereas, WLGCC supports the following:
1. Increased State and Federal funding for energy efficiency, renewable energy, electrification of transportation and buildings, and advanced technology and research development solutions.
2. State policies and laws that enable local governments and others to implement such actions to grow the clean energy workforce.
3. A State plan to retire coal plants no later than 2040.
4. Choices and universal access to clean energy to reduce cost and participation barriers.
5. Smart growth development policies and funding to reduce vehicle miles traveled and to preserve natural resources, including agricultural, forestry, and recreational lands.
; and
Whereas, There is no cost to becoming a WLGCC member; and
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee shares the goals of the WLGCC; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the City of Milwaukee officially joins the Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition and will contribute to sustaining its advocacy efforts through filing joint public comments that relate to the City’s greenhouse gas reduction goals; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Office of the City Attorney and Environmental Collaboration Office are authorized to comment or intervene on behalf of the City in contested rate cases, dockets, investigations, and other proceedings before the Wisconsin Public Service Commission that relate to the City’s greenhouse gas reduction goals.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB 176626-3
Tea B. Norfolk
3/30/2021