County Executive David Crowley Calls for Passage of Legislation Upholding Milwaukee County’s Climate Commitments Amid Federal Rollbacks

MILWAUKEE – Today, County Executive David Crowley urged the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors to approve legislation reaffirming the County’s commitment to the principles and goals of the Paris Agreement that promotes environmental sustainability, with the goal of combatting the global climate crisis. The resolution also supports the scientific basis of the 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding that determined greenhouse gases pose a threat to public health and welfare, thereby providing the scientific and legal foundation for regulating emissions to mitigate climate change. The proposed County Board resolution, authored by Milwaukee County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson-Bovell and Supervisor Anne O’Connor, comes in response to recent federal rollbacks in climate policies and investments.

“In Milwaukee County, we know that the climate crisis is a real, pressing threat to our environment, our economy, our health, and our quality of life,” said County Executive Crowley. “In reaffirming our commitment to the Paris Agreement and Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding, we are standing with science and facts to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, while advancing equity, justice, and resilience throughout our community. Looking ahead, my administration will continue implementing our Milwaukee County Climate Action Plan to promote clean energy, improve health conditions, create jobs, and combat the climate crisis in Wisconsin.”

“Milwaukee County continues leading the way in the march toward a more environmentally sustainable community,” said Chairwoman Nicholson-Bovell. “As we celebrate Women’s History Month and the trailblazing efforts that women around the globe advance to promote environmental, economic, and social sustainability, we recognize that our work is far from over. That’s why I introduced this legislation recommitting Milwaukee County to the Paris Agreement and Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding: Because our children’s future depends on how we combat the climate crisis and build the equitable future we all deserve.”

“Milwaukee County has a responsibility to lead with evidence and long-term thinking when it comes to protecting our environment and public health,” said Supervisor O’Connor. “This resolution reaffirms that our decisions will continue to be guided by science and by our commitment to future generations. By standing behind the principles of the Paris Agreement and the scientific findings that support regulating greenhouse gas emissions, we are ensuring Milwaukee County remains a strong, steady voice for climate action and environmental stewardship.”

Milwaukee County first committed to the goals and principles of the Paris Agreement in 2017, following an initial federal withdrawal. In 2021, Chairwoman Nicholson-Bovell introduced legislation directing the Milwaukee County Office of Sustainability to adopt goals to reach net-zero operational emissions by 2050 and administer a strategic plan to do so.

In response to this, County Executive Crowley signed into law the Milwaukee County Climate Action 2050 (CA50) Plan that is aimed at achieving net-zero carbon emissions in Milwaukee County operations by the year 2050, marking a significant step forward in the County’s commitment to environmental sustainability and stewardship. Under the leadership of County Executive Crowley and Chairwoman Nicholson-Bovell, Milwaukee County has already reduced operational greenhouse gas emissions by more than 46% from 2005 levels, reinforcing the County’s longstanding leadership on climate action.

“Milwaukee County’s progress is the result of years of strategic partnership, technical analysis, and a clear mandate to protect our residents from the impacts of climate change through reducing emissions” said Grant Helle, Director, Milwaukee County Office of Sustainability. “Reaffirming our commitments is not symbolic, but rather a necessary step to safeguard public health and continue advancing climate mitigation efforts. Our team remains dedicated to administering the CA50 Plan and implementing innovative emissions reduction strategies that position Milwaukee County as a leader.”

In the year ahead, Milwaukee County will unveil a public dashboard to track and share ongoing emissions reduction progress. By reaffirming its alignment with global climate goals and upholding the scientific foundation for greenhouse gas regulation, the County continues to lead with urgency, transparency and a clear vision for a more equitable and sustainable future.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.