As 2024 comes to a close we face both change and certainty here at the Dane County Office of Energy & Climate Change.
The impending leadership changes at the federal level are substantial. In the last few years our allies in Dane County, including businesses, nonprofits, local governments, residents and landlords, have benefitted from federal policies that encourage clean energy solutions. Millions of dollars in federal tax credits flowed into our community. So the talk of reversing the Inflation Reduction Act is disconcerting, to be sure. At least right now, though, these tax credits are still available. Changing tax policy requires an act of Congress and historically members of Congress have preferred to let tax credits expire rather than revoking them.
By contrast, the leadership changes locally here in Dane County simply reinforce our commitment to our climate action goals. Newly elected County Executive Melissa Agard has cited environmental stewardship, including climate action, as a top priority for her administration. The work the Office of Energy & Climate Change began under Executive Parisi will continue under Executive Agard, and that’s something that will remain certain.
With the incoming federal administration our work will likely become harder over the next few years, including less support for our local commitments to equity and climate justice. But the reality is that we have done hard work before. Executive Parisi created the Dane County Office of Energy & Climate Change in 2017, in response to President Trump leaving the Paris Climate Accord and state-level directives that forbade state agencies from using the phrase "climate change". Still, with no state or federal support for climate action, our Office worked with numerous stakeholders to create our ambitious Climate Action Plan. Despite the lack of outside support, our partners launched amazing efforts like Forest Edge Elementary, the first net-zero energy elementary in the United States.
Last summer I was at a multi-state event, speaking with an official from Minnesota, where there has been a lot of legislative action on climate issues. When I told her I envied her state’s legislative leadership she smiled and told me that she and her colleagues marvel at how scrappy we are in Wisconsin. She said she is often surprised by what those in Wisconsin accomplish locally given our limited policy tools.
In the weeks since the election I have found myself playing her comments over and over in my head. I have been thinking about how important this perseverance and ingenuity will be in the next few years. Dane County will continue to move forward with or without federal support. We are innovative and committed to making progress on our climate goals, working collaboratively with all available partners and supporters. And no matter the federal changes, we will continue to lead on equitable climate action here in Dane County. So join us and stay committed to making change happen locally.
Kathy is the Director of the Dane County’s Office of Energy and Climate Change. In that role she's leading efforts to implement the Climate Action Plan. Prior to coming to Dane County, Kathy led Cool Choices and, prior to that, she led Wisconsin's Focus on Energy program.
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