CONTACT: Elizabeth Ward, Sierra Club, elizabeth.ward@sierraclub.org (608) 445-4489
Sierra Club Applauds Governor Evers’s Budget Proposal
Group supports call for 100% clean energy, transit funding, first steps to improving drinking water
MADISON - Gov. Tony Evers announced his proposal yesterday for the 2019-2021 Biennial State Budget. The budget puts a refreshing focus on the need to address climate change and ensure that all Wisconsinites have clean air and safe drinking water.
“Governor Evers budget puts a focus on the things Wisconsinites need most: clean air, safe drinking water, and action on climate change,” stated Elizabeth Ward, Conservation Programs Coordinator, for the statewide branch of the Sierra Club. She continued, “Restoring science to the Department of Natural Resources and investments in clean energy and transit systems are critical steps to address climate change, the greatest threat Wisconsin faces.”
The budget includes the creation of a goal to get Wisconsin to 100% carbon-free electricity. Sierra Club Senior Campaign Representative Elizabeth Katt Reinders stated, “Governor Evers’ vision for 100% carbon-free electricity and clean energy leadership has the potential to bring significant improvements to the health of Wisconsin residents, the quality of our air and water, our progress toward preventing the worst impacts of climate change, and will be a driver for Wisconsin’s job growth and economy.”
The transportation budget includes large increases to transit systems, specialized transit, and paratransit and de-prioritizes highway expansions. “In the past, we’ve seen disproportional investments in expanding highways at the cost of our local roads, transit systems, and biking and walking infrastructure. This is undermining our ability to curb climate change and is harming the health of Wisconsinites, especially Wisconsinites of Color, who are more likely to live near major highways and less likely to own a car. We applaud Gov. Evers recognizing the harm that highway expansions cause and instead investing in forms of transportation that are forward-thinking and are good for people and the planet, like public transit,” said Ward.
The Sierra Club praised increased funding to the state parks, but is concerned about the lack of investment in Wisconsin’s public lands. “Our Wisconsin parks showcase our beautiful lakes, rivers, forests and prairies, and provide exceptional outdoor experiences. They are economic engines for their host communities and enjoying the state parks bolsters visitors physical and mental well-being. Unfortunately, the ability of the Parks to provide these benefits was diminished in 2015 when the legislature and Governor Walker cut their funding. Governor Evers’ proposal to Increase state park funding by $1.4 million a year is a welcomed step in the right direction that will pay off,” stated Bill Davis, Chapter Director. He continued, “Similarly, public lands provide recreational, health and economic benefits to Wisconsin. We are disappointed that the Governor’s budget only provides funding for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship fund at current levels for two years”
The budget also makes necessary first-steps to address Wisconsin’s serious, systemic problem with our water as evidenced by the findings in Kewaunee County and southwest Wisconsin, lead pipes and algal blooms around the state, and rivers, lake and streams drying up in some places and flooding in others. “If we are to realize the essential goal of having clean water in Wisconsin to nourish our families, grow our crops, provide quality fish and wildlife habitat and promote our economy, we need a serious, long-term commitment. It won’t happen in one budget, or one legislative session,” explained Davis. He continued, “Governor Evers’ budget provisions on lead removal and well compensation are a start at helping those with immediate needs, and the increased funding for non-point pollution from cities and farms and staffing for the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation programs recognize are good first steps to curbing water pollution.”
“We hope to see the Legislature maintain these initiatives and that Governor Evers’ budget priorities are just the first steps on a path toward moving Wisconsin from an economy run on fossil fuels to one powered by 100% clean energy,” concluded Katt Reinders.
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The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization. In Wisconsin, the Sierra Club - John Muir Chapter’s 18,000 members work to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org/wisconsin.