Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley called on March 11 for the Board of Supervisors to pass legislation reaffirming the county’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and supporting the scientific conclusions of the Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding. The proposed resolution, authored by Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson-Bovell and Supervisor Anne O’Connor, comes as a response to recent federal rollbacks in climate policies.
The issue is significant because it addresses both local and global efforts to combat climate change, aiming for net zero carbon emissions by 2050 while promoting equity and public health. The resolution seeks to maintain momentum on environmental sustainability despite changes at the federal level.
“In Milwaukee County, we know that the climate crisis is a real, pressing threat to our environment, our economy, our health, and our quality of life,” said County Executive Crowley. “In reaffirming our commitment to the Paris Agreement and Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding, we are standing with science and facts to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, while advancing equity, justice, and resilience throughout our community. Looking ahead, my administration will continue implementing our Milwaukee County Climate Action Plan to promote clean energy, improve health conditions, create jobs, and combat the climate crisis in Wisconsin.”
Chairwoman Nicholson-Bovell said: “Milwaukee County continues leading the way in the march toward a more environmentally sustainable community. As we celebrate Women’s History Month and the trailblazing efforts that women around the globe advance to promote environmental, economic, and social sustainability, we recognize that our work is far from over. That’s why I introduced this legislation recommitting Milwaukee County to the Paris Agreement and Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding: Because our children’s future depends on how we combat the climate crisis and build the equitable future we all deserve.”
Supervisor O’Connor added: “Milwaukee County has a responsibility to lead with evidence and long-term thinking when it comes to protecting our environment and public health. This resolution reaffirms that our decisions will continue to be guided by science and by our commitment to future generations. By standing behind the principles of the Paris Agreement and the scientific findings that support regulating greenhouse gas emissions, we are ensuring Milwaukee County remains a strong, steady voice for climate action and environmental stewardship.”
The county first committed itself to these goals in 2017 after an initial federal withdrawal from international agreements. In 2021, Chairwoman Nicholson-Bovell introduced legislation directing operational goals for net-zero emissions by 2050. Since then, under Crowley’s leadership as well as Nicholson-Bovell’s guidance as chairwoman, operational greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by more than 46% from 2005 levels.
Grant Helle, Director of Milwaukee County Office of Sustainability said: “Milwaukee County’s progress is the result of years of strategic partnership, technical analysis, and a clear mandate to protect our residents from the impacts of climate change through reducing emissions. Reaffirming our commitments is not symbolic but rather a necessary step to safeguard public health and continue advancing climate mitigation efforts. Our team remains dedicated to administering the CA50 Plan and implementing innovative emissions reduction strategies that position Milwaukee County as a leader.”
In related demographic information about Milwaukee County schools during the 2023-24 school year: Oak Creek High School had an enrollment of 2,223 students; HAPA-Hmong American Peace Academy K3-12 had 1,894 students; Franklin High School had 1,606 students according to state data. Black students made up about one-third (33%) or roughly 38,530 out of nearly 117 thousand total students according to state data. White students were next largest at about 29%, followed by Hispanic students at approximately one-quarter (24.5%) according to state data. Multiracial students accounted for about 5.5% while Pacific Islander students were least represented at just 0.1% according to state data.
Looking forward into next year’s plans for transparency on emission reductions progress within county operations include unveiling a public dashboard tracking ongoing results.
