Madison Is First Wisconsin City To Make 100 Percent Renewable Energy Promise

Common Council Unanimously Approves Resolution For City-Wide Initiative

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Solar panels
Mark Lennihan/AP Photo

Madison’s Common Council has unanimously approved a city-wide goal of reaching 100 percent renewable energy.

The move makes Madison the first Wisconsin city to make a commitment of getting all its energy from renewable sources and have net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

NBC 15 reports the resolution instructs city staff to develop a plan that sets out target dates for reaching the goal. The city is also allocating $250,000 to hire a consultant to help with create the plan by Jan. 18, according to a joint press release between the Sierra Club, alderwoman Denise DeMarb and alderman Zach Wood.

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The renewable energy will affect all sectors, including electricity, transportation and more, the release states.

Advocates for the initiative say Madison would be a leader to and model for other cities in the United States. Madison is the biggest city in the Midwest to make such a community-wide goal, according to the Sierra Club.

In a written statement, DeMarb said the vote shows a commitment to future generations and that “the future became brighter” with the vote.

“In a time of inaction at the state and federal levels, cities need to lead. Cities need to continue to move towards a sustainable future, creating good jobs and a future we are proud to hand over to our kids,” DeMarb said. “… Because of the vote for clean energy, Madison residents can look forward to a stronger, cleaner and healthier place for all to live.”

The next step for the city is to issue a request for proposal for the consultant need to help prepare the plan.