MADISON, Wis. — Today, Governor Tony Evers announced the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice to facilitate collaboration across state agencies to provide strategies to promote environmentally just policies. Assembly Democratic Leader Greta Neubauer (D-Racine) released the following statement in support:
“On Earth Day, and every day, it’s vitally important we remember climate change impacts us all, but does not affect everyone equally. Marginalized communities and people of color are disproportionately affected by the adverse effects of our changing climate. I am thrilled that in order to combat inequities exacerbated by climate change, Governor Tony Evers has announced the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice, based on a recommendation put forward by the Governor’s Task Force on Climate Change.
“So many Wisconsinites have already been affected by changing weather patterns, historic flooding, and disparate health impacts from pollution. Not only will this office support Wisconsin’s state agencies in addressing climate change and helping Wisconsinites to build climate resilience, but it will make sure that nobody gets left behind in the process.
“I applaud Governor Evers for the creation of this office and I’m excited to see the support it will provide to people across the state. Together, we can build resilient communities, environmentally-conscious policies, and a more equitable response to climate change.”
