Eau Claire Representatives Highlight Climate Accountability Act

Eau Claire area lawmakers highlighted the recently introduced Climate Accountability Act at a press conference on Friday afternoon.

State Representative Christian Phelps and State Senator Jeff Smith were joined by State Representative Supreme Moore Omokunde and Eau Claire community leaders to bring attention to the legislation introduced in March. The proposed bill directs the state legislature to develop a viable plan during the 2025-2026 session to reduce carbon emmissions by 52 percent by 2030, and achieve carbon neutral emissions by 2050.

The legislation also comes as federal support for climate initiatives decreases, forcing states to develop their own plans. Asked about the potential lack of federal funding for those goals, State Senator Smith said “I think we have to depend on us coming up with a plan. Because under the current administration, we can’t count on them to help us. They like to claim in fact that its the states’ responsibilities, well let’s step up and be responsible.”

Regardless of state legislation to support the environment, a number of private organizations have taken steps in pursuit of clean energy in recent years. Xcel Energy is currently planning a 5,000 acre solar field in St. Croix County. Various other businesses across Northwest Wisconsin also received grant funding from the United States Department of Agriculture in January to install solar arrays and more energy efficient machinery. Those projects will produce more clean energy and save thousands of dollars in energy costs.

“I can tell you with 100 percent confidence that protecting the environment now and in the future is not a partisan issue in our communities,” said State Representative Phelps. “It is only a partisan issue inside the Capitol. I met many, many people who self-identified as conservatives and named protecting the environment as one of their top issues and biggest passions.”