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.

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

Tribal Stakeholders Meeting

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

Green Ribbon Commission Meeting

August 4, 2023
All Day Meeting; In-Person

Topics: Mission, Vision, Strategies and Guiding Principles

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

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President and Founder CleanTech Partners, Middleton

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Pamela Boivin

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Executive Director and Loan Officer Woodland Financial Partners, Shawano

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John Brogan

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Chief Executive Officer Bank of Kaukauna, Kaukauna

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Andy Buck

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Director of Government Affairs International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 7, Oshkosh

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Antonio Butts

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Executive Director Walnut Way Conservation Corporation, Milwaukee

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Sara Conzemius

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Founding Advisor Illume Advising, Madison

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Abigail Corso

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Chief Strategy Officer Elevate Energy, Madison

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Sam Dunaiski

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Executive Director RENEW Wisconsin, Madison

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Sandra Henry

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President and CEO Slipstream Group, Inc., Madison

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Kamaljit Kaur Jackson

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Vice President, Programs and Operations Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC), Milwaukee

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Sean Kennedy

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Climate Resilience Policy Advisor Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison

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Montre Moore

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Public Involvement and Outreach Specialist Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, Milwaukee

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Mike Noreen

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Conservation and Efficiency Coordinator and City Forester City of River Falls, River Falls

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Kara Pennoyer

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Chief of Staff Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Chairperson Rebecca Cameron Valcq, Madison

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Nicole Rakobitsch

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Director of Sustainability CROPP Cooperative Organic Valley, LaCrosse

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Maria Redmond

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Director Wisconsin Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy, Madison

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Ty Rohloff

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Conservation and Efficiency Coordinator and City Forester City of River Falls, River Falls

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Katrina Shankland

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Representative Wisconsin State Legislature, Assembly District 71, Stevens Point

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Dean Warsh

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Business Manager and President International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 494 and IBEW Wisconsin State Conference, Milwaukee

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