A city council subcommittee member called on citizens to urge city officials to adopt a recently introduced plan to transition city buildings and facilities entirely to clean energy, in an opinion piece for the Capital Times published Tuesday.
“The council needs to hear from you, hear that our city is committed to changing and leading,” wrote Madison Sustainability Committee member Bradley Campbell. “The mayor needs to hear from you, that Madison is not interested in taking half-measures in the face of a global crisis, oppositional state lawmakers, and obtuse national ‘leaders.’”
The plan calls for a pledge to achieve cleaner air and water by turning Madison buildings and facilities over to 100 percent renewable energy and eventually achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
Noting that there are 2,000 jobs in solar energy in Wisconsin already and that work in renewable energy is growing, Campbell said the state Capitol’s switch to renewable energy would also be good for the economy.
The clean energy plan was submitted December to the Common Council by the city's Sustainability Committee. After being reviewed by subcommittees for amendments, it will return to the Common Council for voting.
Citizens can voice opinions on issues to council members or the mayor via the City of Madison website.
“Here in Madison, we envision a community where families can raise their kids free from toxic pollution, where everyone has the opportunity for a good job, and where all people and businesses are thriving through access to affordable energy,” Campbell wrote. “Today, our city has the opportunity to make true on this vision for Madison and to yet again show Wisconsin that our community is eager to take the lead.”
