Rep. Shankland: First Wisconsin Legislator to Attend Clean Energy Legislative Academy

By: State Rep. Katrina Shankland 8/23/19 Urban Milwaukee

BRECKENRIDGE, CO – This week, Rep. Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point) attended the Clean Energy Legislative Academy (CELA), a bipartisan forum for state legislators and staff from across the nation to learn about energy issues, as well as tools and resources for developing and implementing clean energy policy. Rep. Shankland is the first legislator from Wisconsin to attend this training, which is hosted by Colorado State University’s Center for the New Energy Economy.

Rep. Shankland released the following statement about the experience:

“It was an honor to be selected to attend the 2019 Clean Energy Legislative Academy. As a former employee of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, I know that investing in clean energy creates family-supporting jobs, strengthens the public health, buoys the local economy, and protects our natural resources. That’s why every session that I have served in the Wisconsin State Assembly, I have introduced clean energy bills. I am grateful for this opportunity to delve deeper into renewable energy, energy efficiency, and electric vehicle policy with legislators and experts from across the country.

“I especially appreciated the opportunity for Democratic and Republican legislators to discuss new ideas and best practices with each other. We heard from a range of speakers, including former Governor Bill Ritter and retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Dennis McGinn, and I found all of the presentations extremely enriching and illuminating.

“It was also very exciting to speak with legislators from across the country about how Wisconsin is making a comeback in clean energy. Governor Evers’ recent executive order establishing a state energy office and setting a goal of 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050 was mentioned by speakers and legislators numerous times. I’m incredibly proud of Wisconsin’s new commitment to a clean energy economy, and look forward to taking what I’ve learned and applying it as I continue working with Governor Evers, Lieutenant Governor Barnes, and my colleagues in the legislature.”