MADISON, Wis., — Today, in honor of Earth Day, Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler released the following statement:

“52 years ago, Wisconsin’s own Democratic Senator Gaylord Nelson founded Earth Day — a global celebration of the environmental movement and the need for education, reform, and protection. Our state has a long history spearheading environmental movements, beginning with the Native Tribes, who are the original stewards of our land and continue to work tirelessly to protect it.

“Earth Day helped catalyze and fuel the transformative grassroots movement that pushed leaders to create the Environmental Protection Agency, the Clean Air Act, and the Clean Water Act. As the climate crisis accelerates, Democrats – both nationally and in Wisconsin – champion legislation to protect our planet, working towards a greener, cleaner future for generations to come. This week, the Governor announced Wisconsin’s first ever Clean Energy Plan, which will create over 40,000 jobs while working towards a reliable and affordable energy plan that works with our natural resources. Governor Evers has also pledged to make Wisconsin carbon neutral by 2050.

“Building on Governor Evers’ commitments, President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will invest billions to fund critical clean-up projects along the Great Lakes and makes the largest investment in electric vehicle charging in American history.

“A half-century in Wisconsin’s past, Senator Nelson described the work of the environmental movement as requiring ‘a long, sustained, political, moral, ethical and financial commitment, far beyond any other commitment ever made by any society in history.’ Wisconsin Democrats are committed to carrying that commitment forward, to protecting and restoring our environment, and to working towards a healthier, cleaner planet for generations to come.”