WisconsinProposal would set clean power targets and project rules in Wisconsin
The proposal sets rising clean electricity targets for providers and state agencies and directs a state office to plan for economy-wide emissions cuts.
What it does
Electric providers and certain state agencies would have to get at least half their electricity from carbon-free sources by 2030, rising to 100 percent by 2050.
Electric providers would have to get at least 20 percent of their electricity from specified renewable sources by 2030, rising to 60 percent by 2040.
A proposed state office would prepare and update a roadmap for cutting emissions across Wisconsin's economy, while the state would aim for clean electricity and net-zero emissions by 2050.
On certain power projects costing at least $10 million, contractors and subcontractors would have to try in good faith to use registered apprentices and explain any shortfall in writing.
Argument forStep-by-step power targets and a statewide roadmap could help providers plan for cleaner electricity over time.
Argument againstProject rules could make it harder to build some power facilities if builders struggle to meet local hiring or apprentice requirements.
More detail
Electric providers and certain state agencies would have to meet rising carbon-free electricity targets. The targets cover electric providers and certain state agencies. Electric providers would submit transition plans to the Public Service Commission, which could approve a plan only if stated criteria are met. The minimum is 50 percent for 2030–2034, 65 percent for 2035–2039, 80 percent for 2040–2044, 90 percent for 2045–2049, and 100 percent for 2050 and later.
Electric providers would have to meet minimum shares of specified renewable energy. These targets apply to electric providers. If a provider misses a target, the Public Service Commission may order it to take steps to meet it. Violating such an order could lead to a financial penalty. The minimum is 20 percent for 2030–2034, 40 percent for 2035–2039, and 60 percent for 2040 and later.
The secretary of administration would direct a state office to prepare an economy-wide emissions roadmap. The office would be housed in the Department of Administration. The roadmap would use sector-based modeling, include the state's 2022 clean energy plan when appropriate, and be updated periodically. The stated statewide goals are for 2050; the roadmap would be updated periodically.
Builders on certain power projects would have to make a good-faith effort to use registered apprentices. This applies to contractors and subcontractors on certain electric-generating facility projects estimated to cost at least $10 million. If builders do not meet the apprentice-use targets, they would have to send the Department of Workforce Development a written explanation and supporting records. Failing to provide them could lead to a financial penalty.
Where do you stand?
Choose your position
Tell your reps
Take a position to see your representatives and ways to contact them.
Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 9Fiscal estimate receivedLatest
- Mar 23Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1Major
- Mar 19Read first time and referred to Committee on EnvironmentMinor
- Mar 19Introduced by Representatives Tenorio, Johnson, Moore Omokunde, Arney, Brown, Clancy, Cruz, DeSanto, Hong, Hysell, Joers, Kirsch, Madison, Mayadev, Miresse, Phelps, Prado, Rivera-Wagner, Roe, Sinicki, Snodgrass, Stubbs, Taylor, Udell, Fitzgerald, Anderson, McCarville, Bare, Billings, Haywood and Vining; cosponsored by Senators Larson, L. Johnson, Habush Sinykin, Keyeski, Roys, Spreitzer and CarpenterIntroduced
Environment & EnergyEconomy & JobsGovernment & Ethics