Needed Expansion of Wisconsin Clean Energy, Energy Efficiency & Water Conservation Finance Program Signed into Law

An expansion of Wisconsin’s successful Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program has been signed into law by Gov. Tony Evers. This important financing tool helps property owners obtain affordable, long-term loans to finance eligible clean energy, energy efficiency and water conservation projects. The new expansion allows funding for more types of projects, including green stormwater infrastructure—like permeable pavements, bioswales, constructed wetlands and green roofs—and electric vehicle charging stations.

In January, Clean Wisconsin Milwaukee Program Director Pamela Ritger de la Rosa testified at the Capitol in support of the program.

“Clean Wisconsin believes these new eligible projects offer significant opportunity, especially for green infrastructure in Milwaukee and other urban areas around the state. We’ve worked for years to educate residents, developers, municipal leaders and businesses about the multiple benefits of green stormwater control measures, including easing the burden on municipal stormwater pipes and reducing both water pollution and flood risk,” said Ritger de la Rosa. “These much-needed changes to the PACE program will also allow more building owners and businesses to invest in energy-savings projects and reduce their monthly energy bills at a time when so many are reeling from the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Legislation expanding the program was introduced by Sen. Robert Cowles and Rep. Jeremy Thiesfeldt last November and passed the Senate unanimously in February.

“With the changes in Act 175, we can help to attach private financing for more beneficial projects to the property, not the person, helping to close more financing gaps and promote more cost-saving energy efficiency and alternative energy improvements, better preparation for severe weather events, and more EV charging station infrastructure which can drive consumers to local establishments,” said Sen. Cowles in a press release.

The PACE program expansion was signed into law by Gov. Evers on Friday.

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.