Midwest

Wisconsin

In 2019, Wisconsin’s Governor committed the state to meeting the emissions reduction goals of the Paris Agreement and set a goal of 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050. While the state’s electricity generation is still overwhelmingly from natural gas and coal, coal consumption is declining, with more than half of the state’s coal-fired generation capacity scheduled for retirement by 2026. Wisconsin’s net emissions decreased 15% from 2005-2021, compared to their emissions reduction target of 26% below 2005 levels by 2025.
GHG Reduction Targets
All targets relative to 2005 levels
2025 :

26%

Governor
Tony Evers (Democrat)
House Party
Republican Majority
Senate Party
Republican Supermajority
Legislative session
1/16/24 - 3/12/24
US Climate Alliance Status
Member

16

Policies Enacted or In Progress
across 5 policy areas

46

Policy Opportunities
across 7 policy areas

Midwest

12 states
This map shows the occurrence of climate policies passed at the state-level. Higher numbers represent more climate policies enacted.

Progress by Policy Area

  • Enacted
  • In-progress
  • Partially Enacted
  • Not Enacted
Glossary of Terms
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections in Wisconsin

Created in partnership with
Filters
Status Policy Policy Area Policy Category YR Enacted
Enacted
Empty column

26-28% by 2025

Relative to 2005 levels

Establishing Policies
Climate Governance and Equity
Climate Governance 2019
Enacted
Empty column

Governor's Task Force on Climate Change Report

Climate Governance and Equity
Climate Governance 2020
Enacted
Empty column

The 1990-2018 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory was published in December 2021.

Climate Governance and Equity
Climate Governance 2021
Not Enacted
Empty column

Climate bureaucracy consists of dedicated climate offices and staff, interagency working groups, task forces, and other bodies made up of government staff. These bodies are often responsible for writing a state's climate plan and implementing the policies and strategies identified to meet its climate targets.

Climate Governance and Equity
Climate Governance
Enacted
Empty column

Governor's Task Force on Climate Change

Climate Governance and Equity
Climate Governance 2019
Not Enacted
Empty column

Environmental justice (EJ) community definitions identify the specific, quantifiable thresholds that designate a geographical area as an EJ community. These definitions account for multiple factors, including both environmental and socioeconomic stressors, that may contribute to persistent environmental health disparities.

Climate Governance and Equity
Environmental Justice and Equity
In-Progress
Empty column

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and three other state agencies are developing the Wisconsin Environmental Equity Tool (WEET).

Climate Governance and Equity
Environmental Justice and Equity
Not Enacted
Empty column

Environmental justice (EJ) community investment requirements help ensure communities most impacted by environmental burdens are benefitting equitably from public programs by requiring a certain percentage of funds and/or benefits from other policies are allocated to EJ communities.

Climate Governance and Equity
Environmental Justice and Equity
In-Progress
Empty column

WI DNR – Environmental Justice Policy Advisor

Governor Evers signed an executive order to create the Wisconsin Office of Environmental Justice

Establishing Policies
Climate Governance and Equity
Environmental Justice and Equity 2022
Not Enacted
Empty column

Environmental justice (EJ) advisory bodies are responsible for making recommendations on EJ policy, integrating EJ and equity principles into climate policy, and increasing public engagement. These bodies can consist of all non-government members, or be a mix of government and non-government members.

Climate Governance and Equity
Environmental Justice and Equity
Not Enacted
Empty column

Cumulative impact assessments determine the health and environmental impacts of renewing or granting a permit for certain pollution-generating facilities in environmental justice communities. Increased pollution burdens in communities may result in the permit application being denied.

Climate Governance and Equity
Environmental Justice and Equity
Not Enacted
Empty column

Just transition plans are documents that outline policies and recommendations aimed at supporting communities, workers, and industries affected by the transition away from fossil fuels. The plans often focus on workforce development and retraining, job creation, and economic diversification.

Climate Governance and Equity
Just Transition
Not Enacted
Empty column

Just transition offices and staff assist workers and communities transitioning away from fossil fuel extraction and use, typically through retraining programs and support with relocation and economic diversification. Offices and staff also coordinate with other state agencies to effectively design policy to achieve a just transition.

Climate Governance and Equity
Just Transition
Not Enacted
Empty column

Just transition advisory bodies write or advise on a state's just transition plan or report, and make recommendations on ways to support affected workers, communities, and industries. The bodies can consist of all non-government members, or be a mix of government and non-government members.

Climate Governance and Equity
Just Transition
Not Enacted
Empty column

Just transition funds support initiatives and investments aimed at facilitating the equitable transition of workers and communities affected by shifts in industries or policies that transition from fossil fuels.

Climate Governance and Equity
Just Transition

The State Climate Policy Dashboard tracks only passed policies and does not include bills currently proposed in legislative sessions. The website is intended to illustrate the current status of policies for each state, as well as key resources and model states for each policy.

Much of the information contained in this database is derived from the public domain, with links to resources provided. The information provided is made available solely for general information purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Click here for full Terms of Use.

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