Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley signed legislation approving the Milwaukee County Climate Action 2050 (CA50) Plan to increase sustainability and lower emissions.

This new blueprint is aimed at achieving net-zero carbon emissions in Milwaukee County operations by 2050. The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors in Wisconsin approved the legislation.

“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 Crowley in a statement. “The Milwaukee County Climate Action Plan provides policymakers, stakeholders, and local leaders with a framework to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, while advancing equity, justice, and resilience throughout our community. I’m looking forward to implementing the Milwaukee County CA50 Plan to promote clean energy, improve health conditions, create jobs, and combat the climate crisis in Wisconsin.”

The Climate Action 2050 Plan will deploy policies and procedures to achieve net zero operational emissions, continuing progress Milwaukee County has already made by reducing GHG emissions 46% from 2005 to 2023.

The plan also describes the County’s approach to decarbonization, which includes avoiding new sources of emissions, reducing existing emissions by implementing efficiency practices, substituting fuel sources for lower carbon alternatives, and as the lowest priority option, the purchase of credible carbon offsets.

The plan moves into the implementation phase when the Milwaukee County Office of Sustainability collaborates with county departments to implement the strategies and tactics included in the plan. The Office of Sustainability already started conducting sessions with the community to gather input on climate risks and preferred emissions reduction strategies.