County Executive Crowley, Chairwoman Nicholson-Bovell Approve Legislation Upholding Milwaukee County’s Climate Commitments Amid Federal Rollbacks
Resolution reaffirms the County’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and supports scientific conclusions of the Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding
MILWAUKEE – Today at the Urban Ecology Center’s Washington Park location, County Executive David Crowley and County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson-Bovell kicked off Earth Month by signing legislation to reaffirm the County’s commitment to the principles and goals of the Paris Agreement, an international treaty on climate change, as well as the scientific findings that support regulating greenhouse gas emissions. The resolution comes in response to recent federal rollbacks in climate policies and investments by the Trump administration.
“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. “At a time when federal climate leadership is stepping back, Milwaukee County is stepping forward. Through our commitment to advance climate action and eliminate greenhouse gases, we are standing with science and facts. Looking ahead, my administration will continue doing everything we can to promote environmental sustainability, combat climate change, and build a bright, healthy future for working families in Wisconsin.”
“Milwaukee County continues leading the way in the march toward a more environmentally sustainable community,” said Chairwoman Nicholson-Bovell. “As we celebrate the trailblazing efforts of women and girls around the globe who promote environmental, economic, and social sustainability, we recognize that our work is far from over. Our legislation recommits 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 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.
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