Let’s put our ingenuity to work in clean energy.

Wisconsinites are known for incredible ingenuity, technological innovation, and manufacturing know-how. In fact, Wisconsin is ranked first nationwide for manufacturing jobs as a proportion of our state’s workforce. This distinction, in combination with a substantial energy workforce of over 140,000 employees, constituting 1.8% of the total U.S. energy job market, positions Wisconsin to strategically embark on the implementation of its first-ever Clean Energy Plan. This comprehensive strategy is designed to achieve several key objectives:

It aims to lower energy bills for families, fostering economic relief.
It seeks to reduce reliance on energy sources from other states, enhancing energy security.
It invests in job and apprenticeship training, positioning the state to build a skilled workforce equipped to thrive in the evolving landscape of clean energy technology.

Together, the Clean Energy Plan and the Task Force on Climate Change Report directed WEDC to evaluate models for a “green bank,” known in Wisconsin as the Green Innovation Fund.

About the Commission

The Green Ribbon Commission on Clean Energy and Environmental Innovation was created by Governor Evers’ Executive Order #195. WEDC and the Department of Administration will evaluate models for Wisconsin’s Green Innovation Fund. This fund will use a combination of public funds and private investment to finance renewable energy and energy efficiency projects across the state and in preparation for relevant funding opportunities from the federal government. Recent federal action offers multiple funding opportunities to invest in environmental and clean energy technology development, including climate resilience.

Commission members, appointed by Governor Evers, represent the state’s geographic diversity as well as the many industries and professions our communities rely upon to thrive. Our state and commissioners share a vision where mitigating climate change, protecting the environment, creating good-paying jobs, and supporting economic development are not mutually exclusive.

Meetings and listening sessions will be held to gather community and stakeholder input on the establishment of the fund. This includes consultation with Tribal Nations in Wisconsin.