Right now, Wisconsin lawmakers are deciding how to spend billions of our public dollars—and that means they’re also deciding what kind of climate future we’ll have. With the uncertainty about federal spending, it is crucial that the Wisconsin government steps up to invest in environmental conservation, renewable energy, and climate action.
Climate change is the defining challenge of our time. It threatens our health, our economy, and the natural systems we depend on—right here in Wisconsin and around the world. However, investing in clean energy and climate solutions is not just about protecting the planet—it’s about protecting people. It means cleaner air, safer communities, and good-paying jobs that support working families across Wisconsin. It means insulating our homes against rising energy costs and giving future generations a chance to thrive in a livable world. The climate crisis is already here, but so are the solutions—and with the right funding, we can scale them up, fast.
Here’s where the process works: In February, Democratic Governor Evers proposed a comprehensive budget with significant investments in preserving our natural resources and our future. Now, the budget goes to the Republican-led Joint Finance Committee (JFC)—a group of 16 legislators with enormous power to shape what stays in and what gets cut. After that, the Legislature votes, and finally, the governor signs or vetoes the final version. In short, the legislature and the governor both have to agree and the negotiations are going on right now.
Learn more about the budgeting process by visiting the Joint Committee on Finance’s budget page.
That makes this the most important time for the public to speak up. Submit your comment today!
At 350 Wisconsin Action, we are calling on all climate-conscious Wisconsinites to submit a public comment to the Joint Finance Committee. We must demand that the final budget includes real, measurable investments in climate action—because the cost of doing nothing is far too high.
Here’s what we’re asking lawmakers to fund:
Clean energy & Climate Action – We need immediate investments in renewable energy like solar and wind, and expanded programs that help homes and businesses become more energy efficient. The clean energy transition is already underway, but we need state-level leadership and funding to make it equitable, affordable, and fast.
- Support $50 million Green Bank to invest in renewable energy projects for business and local governments
- Reintroduce Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) for the Public Service Commission. Require utility companies to provide a robust and transparent energy plan with binding commitments to protect public health and our climate
- Double the Focus on Energy program to support energy efficiency efforts to save ratepayers money and reduce energy use
Land Conservation & Agriculture – healthy lands are essential for growing the food we eat, safeguarding the water we drink, and cleaning the air we breathe. In the context of climate, soil conservation and forestry is a crucial sink of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Reauthorize the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program at $100 million per year. Since 1989, the program has played a critical role in protecting Wisconsin’s environment, currently protecting 650k acres of land
- Continue the WI Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (WI LFPA): program connects restaurants & grocery stores with locally-grown produce from family farms
Public transit and sustainable transportation – Transportation is one of Wisconsin’s largest sources of carbon emissions. Investments in clean transit options—trains, buses, bikeable & walkable cities—will cut emissions, reduce pollution, and create healthier communities.
- Support public transportation: Permit Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) and allow local communities to work together to fund joint transit systems
We know the fossil fuel industry is pressuring lawmakers to stall and delay—but we also know that people power works. When thousands of Wisconsinites raise their voices, we can change the conversation.
Submitting a comment is easy and takes just a few minutes. You don’t need to be an expert—just speak from the heart about why climate action matters to you, your family, and your community.
👉 Submit your public comment at: https://legis.wisconsin.gov/topics/budgetcomments/
There are also public listening sessions in different parts of the state. The Hayward, Wisconsin listening session will take place on April 28th, while the Wausau, Wisconsin listening session will take place on April 29th.
The future of Wisconsin’s climate policy is being written into this budget. Let’s make sure it reflects the urgency of the climate crisis—and our collective demand for a healthier, more just, and sustainable future.
Don’t wait. Raise your voice today.