Contact: Megan Severson, 

megan@wisconsinenvironment.org, 608-385-9946 

 

Madison, WI – As public concern about extreme weather ramps up, Wisconsin is proving that we can win the fight against global warming. Clean energy policies, such as Wisconsin’s energy efficiency requirements, have significantly cut emissions of carbon pollution – the leading cause of global warming – according to a new report by Environment America Research & Policy Center. The report, Moving America Forward, showed that Wisconsin’s energy efficiency requirements reduced carbon pollution by at least 4 million metric tons in 2012. That is comparable to the annual emissions from more than 850,000 cars. 

 

“By using energy more efficiently, and by generating more power from clean, renewable sources, we are delivering a one-two punch in the fight against global warming,” said Megan Severson, State Advocate with Wisconsin Environment. “We’ve proven that we have what it takes to protect our children and future generations from the worst impacts of climate change. We will need firm limits on carbon pollution in order to deliver a knockout blow.” 

 

Scientists say extreme weather like the flooding experienced throughout Wisconsin last summer foreshadows what could be a new normal of weather extremes that could threaten our children and future generations if we fail to act on climate. Coal- and gas-fired power plants are America’s largest source of the carbon pollution fueling global warming. 

 

Wisconsin Environment pointed to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) plan to move forward with limits on carbon pollution from power plants as the next step to fight global warming and shift to clean energy. Right now EPA limits arsenic, lead, soot and other pollution from power plants – but not carbon pollution. Power plants are America’s largest source of the carbon pollution fueling global warming, accounting for about 40 percent of total emissions. 

 

Key findings from the report include: 

 

Renewable electricity standards have helped Wisconsin develop enough renewable energy to offset as much carbon pollution as 191,667 cars produce in a year. 

 

Energy efficiency policies have helped avoid as much carbon pollution as 518,750 cars produce in a year. 

 

The success of clean energy policies has proven that investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency can cut carbon pollution, and could help Wisconsin meet federal carbon standards. 

 

“Wisconsin is leading the way to significantly cut emissions of carbon pollution – a leading cause of climate change, said Congressman Mark Pocan. “The effects of climate change are undeniable, and the consequences are unavoidable without significant action from Congress. I’m very proud to be part of the Safe Climate Caucus to make sure that we pass laws that will improve the climate not only for this country, but the entire planet. Federal carbon limits on power plants could build on Wisconsin’s early success, and give us a platform for an even bigger shift to clean energy.” 

 

“Despite opposition rhetoric, we can minimize the harmful impacts of climate change,” said Congresswoman Gwen Moore. “I am pleased that, in Wisconsin, so much progress has been made to reduce the negative role we play by decreasing our carbon pollution levels. We must continue to invest in our future by adopting clean, renewable energy standards.” 

 

“Cashton Greens Wind Farm is one example of how clean energy is repowering Wisconsin. Cashton Greens Wind Farm is reducing pollution by creating emission-free electricity, providing jobs, and producing power right here in Wisconsin,” said Weselley Slaymaker of WES Engineering. “Limits on carbon from power plants will build on projects like this one and could help spur even more clean energy here in Wisconsin.” 

 

Megan Severson pointed to opposition from power companies, the coal industry, and other big polluters as a roadblock to action. Already, groups from the American Petroleum Institute to the National Mining Association have launched campaigns to block or undermine federal carbon limits. 

 

“With enough willpower, Wisconsin can rise to any challenge. We’ve seen that climate solutions work – now it’s time for the next round, Severson concluded. “Our leaders can start by supporting the EPA’s plan to limit carbon pollution from power plants.” 

 

Wisconsin Environment is a statewide, citizen-based environmental advocacy group working for clean air, clean water and open spaces. www.WisconsinEnvironment.org

 

 

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