Wisconsin is an incredible state; from the Packers to cheese curds, the lakes to the wildlife, it has an immense amount to offer - especially friendly, proud Wisconsinites. However our beautiful state has a dirty secret. Wisconsin has a coal dependency that needs to be addressed to preserve our state for generations to come. Despite not producing coal within the state, it accounts for the majority of Wisconsin’s energy source. Not only does this lead to increasing environmental harm via air pollution and environmental degradation, but it discounts the economic opportunity that clean energy represents. Using materials found naturally in Wisconsin, including solar and wind power, presents the potential to increase jobs as well as keep money within the state. The effects of climate change are being seen readily not only across the nation, but specifically in Wisconsin. Ice coverage in the lakes is lower than ever recorded through winter while extreme heat waves are hitting Milwaukee in the summer. We need to address these pressing issues as a state and support environmental protection before irreparable damage is done – starting by switching to clean energy.
As the state capitol, Madison has a duty to lead Wisconsin and to be an example for other areas of Wisconsin by eliminating coal-powered energy. We need to call for this change to clean energy to maintain the inherent beauty of Wisconsin. The city has established a Sustainable Madison Committee with a workgroup dedicated to listening to the community views and adjusting energy goals to align with public opinion. As a community we can unite to reduce Madison’s coal reliance and include clean energy solutions that align with the ideas of Madison. I strongly believe Madison’s potential to be a clean energy leader as well as the importance of supporting renewable energy sources and community-wide goals.
Madison Gas and Electric (MGE)’s limited sustainability program is focused on tomorrow’s energy sources, targeting 30 percent clean energy by 2030. However most of Madison’s MGE energy comes from coal plants. Allaint Energy’s goal is 40 percent clean energy by 2030, but currently only 10 percent of their energy is renewable. While that is a step forward, it is much too little, too late to match the growing technology and need for renewable energy. Cities across the nation are transitioning to 100 percent clean energy in support of job creation, environmental protection, and a better quality of life. It is time for Madison to join energy leaders like Rochester, MN; Los Angeles, CA; and Grand Rapids, MI among many others and push for 100 percent clean energy.
According to a United Nations report, cities consume 78 percent of the world’s energy while simultaneously producing 60 percent of all carbon dioxide. With these alarming statistics, it is clear that Madison must step up as a community and push MGE and Alliant to stop coal dependency. We have a duty to show Wisconsin – and the rest of the country – the potential renewable energy has for economic, environmental and health benefits. As a student at UW – Madison I recognize the importance of being vocal, uniting as city and calling on MGE and Alliant for better energy that will strengthen Madison for the future. Our state motto is “Forward;” now more than ever it is time to move forward, cut back on greenhouse gasses and reduce pollution. We must unite as a community and push forward through Alliant, MGE, the city’s Sustainable Madison Committee, and the county towards measurable and strong clean energy goals. We need to go forward to 100 percent renewable as a coal-free community.
My classmates and I represent the next generation of Wisconsinites and cannot afford to ignore the dirty truth about our energy or the adverse effects of climate change. Switching to clean energy will create new jobs, healthier citizens and an investment in the next generation of Badgers. Following the communities that have called for 100 percent clean energy, Madison needs to unite and become a leader within the clean energy discussion. If you want to be a part of the solution, join me and others at the next Sustainable Madison Committee’s workgroup on Energy and Carbon meeting on October 14th at 4:30, 210 MLKJ Blvd. Room 107B and sign our petition supporting a coal-free community. Hope to see you there!
Mary Van Dyke is a Conservation Biology student at UW-Madison and a Clean Energy Intern with the Sierra Club - John Muir Chapter.