GREEN RIBBON COMMISSION ON CLEAN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL INNOVATION

A COMMISSION DEDICATED TO CLEAN ENERGY OPPORTUNITIES

Driving a clean energy economy

Wisconsin’s extensive history of technological innovation and ingenuity places it at the forefront of pioneering technological advancements in the clean energy sector. With a remarkable distinction of being ranked first nationwide for manufacturing jobs as a proportion of the state’s workforce, and boasting a substantial energy workforce of over 140,000 employees, constituting 1.8% of the total U.S. energy job market, Wisconsin is strategically embarking on the implementation of its first-ever Clean Energy Plan

This comprehensive strategy is designed to achieve several key objectives. First, it aims to lower energy bills for families, fostering economic relief. Second, the plan seeks to reduce reliance on energy sources from other states, thus enhancing energy security. Third, a pivotal facet of the strategy involves investments 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 help gather input

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.

Green Ribbon Commission Meetings

Notice of upcoming meetings will be posted as available.

Green Ribbon Commission Meeting

July 10, 2023

3 – 4:00 p.m. CDT; Virtual

Topics: Framing and logistics

Green Ribbon Commission Meeting

August 4, 2023
All Day Meeting; In-Person
Topics: Mission, Vision, Strategies and Guiding Principles

Tribal Stakeholders Meeting

August 31, 2023
10 – 11:30 a.m. CDT; Virtual

Green Ribbon Commission -Technical Aspects Meeting

September 5, 2023
Time 8-10:00 a.m. CDT; Virtual

Green Ribbon Commission -Public Stakeholders Meeting

October 12, 2023
3:30 – 5:30 p.m. CDT; Virtual

GREEN RIBBON COMMISSION MEMBERS

Masood Akhtar
Masood AkhtarPresident and Founder
CleanTech Partners, Middleton
Pamela Boivin
Pamela BoivinExecutive Director and Loan Officer
Woodland Financial Partners, Shawno
John Brogan
John BroganChief Executive Officer
Bank of Kaukauna, Kaukauna
Andy Buck
Andy BuckDirector of Government Affairs
International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 7, Oshkosh
Antonio Butts
Antonio ButtsExecutive Director
Walnut Way Conservation Corporation, Milwaukee
Sara Conzemius
Sara ConzemiusFounding Advisor
Illume Advising, Madison
Abigail Corso
Abigail CorsoChief Strategy Officer
Elevate Energy, Madison
Sam Dunaiski
Sam DunaiskiExecutive Director
RENEW Wisconsin, Madison
Sandra Henry
Sandra HenryPresident and CEO
Slipstream Group, Inc., Madison
Kamaljit Kaur Jackson
Kamaljit Kaur JacksonVice President, Programs and Operations
Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC), Milwaukee
Sean Kennedy
Sean KennedyClimate Resilience Policy Advisor
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison
Montre Moore
Montre MoorePublic Involvement and Outreach Specialist
Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, Milwaukee
Mike Noreen
Mike NoreenConservation and Efficiency Coordinator and City Forester
City of River Falls, River Falls
Kara Pennoyer
Kara PennoyerChief of Staff
Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Chairperson Rebecca Cameron Valcq, Madison
Nicole Rakobitsch
Nicole RakobitschDirector of Sustainability
CROPP Cooperative Organic Valley, LaCrosse
Maria Redmond
Maria RedmondDirector
Wisconsin Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy, Madison
Ty Rohloff
Ty RohloffVice President, Food and Agribusiness
Compeer Financial, Fort Atkinson
Katrina Shankland
Katrina ShanklandRepresentative
Wisconsin State Legislature, Assembly District 71, Stevens Point
Dean Warsh
Dean WarshBusiness Manager and President
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 494 and IBEW Wisconsin State Conference, Milwaukee

Questions?

Contact us with questions or comments regarding Wisconsin’s Green Ribbon Commission on Clean Energy and Environmental Innovation at GRC@wedc.org.