Participation Creates Access...
The Environmental Justice and Infrastructure Initiative (EJII) has been working in Wisconsin to promote equitable green policies and projects at the neighborhood level. During the previous two years, EJII has presented policy recommendations state government, conducted regulatory analysis with WPSC, provided technical assistance to energy burdened communities, and promoted programs that ensure equitable access to sustainable resources throughout the state. This has included advocating for an We Energies, Alternative Payment Program Dockets with the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (WPSC), supporting the Alliant rate case and partnering with Madison Gas & Electric on increasing energy affordability for Dane county ratepayers.
In addition, EJII has been working in partnership with other Clean Economy Coalition (CECW) stakeholders to support he the implementation of Governor Evers' Green Ribbon Commission. The Green Innovation Fund aims to provide funding for clean energy projects and programs in low-to-middle income communities. This fund would increase homeownership opportunities amongst Black and other communities of color as well as create green jobs and healthy affordable housing.
The Green Innovation Fund will be instrumental in helping low-to-middle income families create wealth and gain access to essential services by providing them with opportunities for homeownership among communities of color as well as promoting green jobs and healthy affordable housing. Two members of the EJII Steering Committee, Montre Moore and Antonio Butts have appointed to the Govenor's special commission.
Overall, EJII's efforts are targeted toward creating a climate-resilient infrastructure in Wisconsin that promotes green economic development while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Moore is the Chair of the, EJII Steering Committee is focused on creating jobs, reducing energy costs for households and businesses, and increasing access to sustainable resources throughout Wisconsin.
Ultimately, these efforts seek to build a climate-resilient infrastructure in Wisconsin that promotes economic growth while reducing greenhouse gas emissions statewide. By leveraging private investments through a green bank model—a public-private partnership—Wisconsin can capitalize on local clean energy projects and ensure equitable access to capital that is traditionally difficult or impossible for individuals or small businesses to obtain. With this approach, Wisconsin can create an equitable future by increasing access to clean energy sources while creating jobs and improving quality of life for all residents of the state.
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