Wisconsin Academy: Convenes local government summit on energy planning and climate change mitigation

Contact: Chelsea Chandler, Wisconsin Academy Initiatives director

MADISON–At this moment in Wisconsin, much of the meaningful and groundbreaking work in energy planning and climate change mitigation is happening through local governments and the businesses and organizations that support their efforts. Despite policy challenges at state and federal levels, local Wisconsin communities are leading the charge to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while keeping electricity bills down and meeting consumer demand for renewables. While many communities across the state are reaping the benefits of these efforts, there is ample room for growth and improvement that can benefit even more Wisconsin residents.

To this end, the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters and partners are convening a two-day summit, Leading the Charge, on April 23–24 in Eau Claire at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire’s W.R. Davies Center. At our Leading the Charge summit, community leaders and energy experts will share their experiences and practical resources to enable more communities across Wisconsin to move towards a more equitable and sustainable future. 

The Leading the Charge summit will offer resources and tools to:

  • Provide training opportunities and grow the workforce in Wisconsin communities around renewable energy
  • Connect with financing opportunities to launch money-saving solar energy projects
  • Provide managers with practical and proven tools to measure energy efficiency
  • Prepare for community self-sufficiency and resilience 
  • Learn from other communities how to successfully write and implement robust energy resolutions, such as the 100% renewable energy and net-zero carbon emission goals recently adopted in Eau Claire and Madison
  •  Explore city-wide transportation strategies such as efficient fleets and electric vehicles
  • Get a head start on planning for energy systems of the future
Summit registration, the agenda, and other details are available at the summit website: www.wisconsinacademy.org/Charge2018. The Wisconsin Academy is providing discounted rates for local government employees and nonprofit organizations. Early bird pricing ends on March 31; regular registration closes on April 15.

For additional information please contact:
Chelsea Chandler, Environmental Initiatives Director • 608-263-1692 x20
Kelly Hilyard, Environmental Initiatives Program Assistant • 608-263-1692 x15