Vox Pop - Good news on climate change front
A new energy record was set this past March when renewable sources met 51% of power demands across the entire United States! Recent investments in green infrastructure have really paid off - this is the first time in our nation’s history that renewables outcompeted fossil fuels for an entire month. A decade ago, clean sources like biofuels, hydropower, solar, and wind made up just one-third of energy generation.
Several levels of government including prior federal administrations, states, cities, and organizations contributed to this national achievement. A notable example is the Climate Alliance, which is a group of 24 bipartisan governors. Collectively this coalition represents over half (55%) of our country’s population and 60% of its economy. Policy priorities include GHG Targets & Governance, Buildings, Climate Finance, Electricity, Industry, Just Transition & Equity, Pricing Carbon & Valuing Damages, Resilience, and Transportation. As a Climate Alliance member, Wisconsin introduced state legislation to launch the Climate Accountability Act during the 2025-26 session. This will require development of statewide plans to reduce carbon emissions by 52% by 2030, and then create a plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
Forty-five out of 100 of the largest U.S. cities (by population) have greenhouse gas reduction targets and associated inventories. The Ceres company, as a member of the Climate Action 100+ initiative, believes that “A strong economy needs a healthy planet. Ceres supports investors, companies, and policymakers to advance climate solutions and achieve a cleaner, just and more resilient economy.”
So, celebrate the 51% renewables record, tell Wisconsin representatives and senators to support the Climate Accountability Act, and join a local Citizen Climate Lobby (CCL) chapter to work on this critical issue in your city. It takes all levels of involvement, but as the March record shows, collaborative effort is working!
— Peggy Burkman, Washburn
