Racine Sun

The “Forward on Climate” package bill was introduced in Wisconsin this week, hoping to create jobs, reduce inequality and fight climate change.

Rep. Sara Rodriguez (D-Brookfield) tweeted Nov. 16, announcing the package and acknowledging the efforts of the Democrats introducing it. Rodriguez was one of the Democratic legislators responsible for authoring the package, with others including Reps. Supreme Moore Omokunde (D-Milwaukee) Greta Neubauer (D-Racine) and Melissa Agard (D-Madison) taking to Twitter to announce the bills. 

“Proud to introduce legislation in the #ForwardOnClimate bill package with @RepGreta & Legislative Dems. By addressing climate change, we can support farmers, build up clean energy manufacturing sector, invest in our kids & schools, and bring opportunities to every corner of Wisconsin,” Rodriguez wrote in her tweet.

Included among the 22 bills in the package is the “Social Cost of Carbon,” which would require the Public Service Commission to “consider the social cost of carbon” when it approves certain public utility projects. Another bill, “School Weatherization & Energy Efficiency Grants,” would put $10 million every year toward “weatherizing” Wisconsin schools, the bill states.

Another bill, titled “Climate Change Local Planning,” would require local governments to come up with climate change plans in the same way that they prepare disaster mitigation plans. The “Complete Streets” bill would require the Department of Transportation to include Nike lanes and pedestrian paths when building new roads.

Among others, the “Model Climate Academic Standards” would require the state superintendent to create an academic model for school use that includes information about climate change and the impact it will have locally and globally, as well as actions individuals can take to help alleviate it. “Racial Disparity Impact Studies” would direct the DNR to assess how vulnerable communities are impacted by environmental hazards such as air and water pollution. The full bill package can be accessed online, detailing each of the 22 bills included.