Climate
The changing climate is one of the defining issues of our time. You elected me to be your mayor because I understand the climate and environmental crises we’re facing. Addressing these problems was a focal point of my campaign in 2019 and I promised to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, set Madison on the path to net-zero emissions, and expand climate resilience.
My administration has delivered on these promises. We’re electrifying and growing our public transportation, expanding solar installations, building EV charging stations, investing in energy efficiency for affordable housing and city buildings, and growing our focus on climate resilience. I’m proud of what we have been able to accomplish and there is much more work to be done.
I’m also proud to be the incoming chair of Climate Mayors, a national organization focused on combating climate change by supporting mayors and engaging with the federal government. And my engagement with the federal government on climate and environment doesn’t stop there. I’m also honored that EPA Administrator Reagan appointed me to the EPA’s Local Government Advisory Committee, where I chair the Air and Climate Workgroup.
We are now seeing unprecedented federal resources dedicated to helping solve the climate crisis and address environmental injustice. I am making the most of this moment with a close eye on federal opportunities, and by growing the partnerships that help best position Madison to benefit from these historic investments.
Our community asked us to...
We delivered...
Lower city building emissions to meet our 2030 goal of net-zero emissions
Nearly 75% of electricity for City operations comes from renewable sources, putting us well on the way to our goal of 100% clean energy by 2030. We are taking advantage of every opportunity, including producing our own renewable energy, buying energy from a local solar farm, and purchasing renewable energy credits. We continually work on making our buildings, vehicles, and our 6,000 streetlights more efficient.
Install solar at City facilities
We have installed more than 1.3 MW of behind-the-meter solar at City facilities, and we plan to install another 8 MW by 2030.
Spread solar in the community
I’ve grown the MadiSUN program to expand solar energy for homes, businesses, and nonprofits in the community. So far, the program has supported development of more than 2 MW of solar in Madison.
Decarbonize the City Fleet
Our innovative Fleet Department continues to rack up national and even international awards. They are working to transition our fleet to low and no-carbon fuels, with a goal of being the first fossil fuel free department in the United States. So far, we have over 70 electric vehicles, more than 100 hybrid-electric vehicles, 3 all-electric buses, and we use a mix of Wisconsin-made biodiesel for all trucking. And the Madison Fire Department is running North America’s first electric fire engine – the Volterra – made by Wisconsin-based Pierce Manufacturing. The new BRT system will expand access to low-cost, reliable transportation using 46 zero-emissions electric buses.
Reduce flood risk across Madison neighborhoods
We are expanding flood resilience by updating Madison’s stormwater ordinance in 2020 to ensure private development is ready for the wetter climate we now experience. We are also reviewing and upgrading our stormwater infrastructure across the city to better handle large rain events, and investing more in green infrastructure.
Lead on green buildings
We were proud to receive a 2022 Energy Efficiency Excellence Award from Focus on Energy in recognition of our work to maximize energy efficiency in City facilities. We’re exploring the use of low carbon concrete in City infrastructure projects, knowing that the carbon pollution embodied in our products is just as important as how it acts through its life.
Train for good, green jobs
Our GreenPower program prepares young people for careers in clean energy and the trades. Trainees work alongside electricians from the city’s Engineering Division on solar PV installations, energy efficiency upgrades, and EV charger installations at city facilities.
Make affordable housing more sustainable
The Affordable Housing Fund helps the private sector develop long-term affordable housing in Madison. We require applicants for these funds to reduce energy use by 20% and install at least 30 kW of solar.
There’s more work to do!
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We are working to develop the new Building Energy Savings Program to cut carbon emissions from the built environment while reducing energy costs for commercial building owners and tenants.
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We must take full advantage of the new and expanded federal support provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act to accelerate and grow our current climate successes. We have a strong track record of securing state and federal funding to support our work – the City typically receives and manages $50-75 million in federal and state grant awards annually – and are prepared to make sure Madison benefits from these federal climate investments.
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We hired the City’s first Sustainability & Resilience Manager and launched projects to enhance community resilience to climate impacts. This is a young but growing program, and we must continue to expand it to ensure our community is prepared for the increasing heat and storms we experience from climate change.
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As our electricity becomes increasingly renewable, we must work to reduce our fossil fuel use and take full advantage of clean energy. It’s time for Madison to start building that strategy and I will ensure that we do so.
To accomplish these projects and more, we need to re-elect Mayor Satya and build a better Madison - together.