Press Release: DOA Racine Visit Showcases Solar Energy Project During Earth Week

STATE OF WISCONSIN

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION

Tony Evers, Governor

Kathy Blumenfeld, Secretary

DOA Racine Visit Showcases Solar Energy Project  During Earth Week

Secretary Blumenfeld Met with Great Lakes Community Conservation Corps and Mayor Mason to Highlight Local Clean Energy Efforts

Racine, Wis. – Today, Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld met with City of Racine Mayor Cory Mason to tour the Great Lakes Community Conservation Corps (GLCC) and learn about an innovative community project which is expanding access to solar energy, one Little Free Library at a time.

The solar charging stations installed in the community book boxes provide access for local residents to charge digital devices, while providing STEM education and training opportunities for youth and veterans. 

“Innovation is what will make our clean energy future possible,” said DOA Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld, “and the way that the GLCC project blends clean energy, sustainability, training, disaster preparedness and resiliency in one accessible package is nothing short of innovative and inspirational. My hope is that more communities build on this wonderful model.”  

DOA Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld (center) with Racine Mayor Cory Mason, GLCC executive director Chris Litzau, and the GLCCC members, mentors, and volunteers. 

"Gaylord Nelson once referred to ecology as a 'big science' and emphasized that environmentalism should encompass both the natural and built environment, addressing issues like hunger and housing," said Mayor Cory Mason. "As we mark Earth Day, I am grateful for the chance to discuss these topics with Secretary Blumenfeld, as we visited the Great Lakes Community Conservation Corps and learned about their solar energy projects.”

"We're experiencing a groundswell of interest in the placement of the solar charging stations, and will be listening to the community to ensure every voice is heard so we can achieve optimal coverage for use and benefit," added GLCC executive director and founder Chris Litzau.

Gov. Evers has recently signed executive order #195 to create the Green Ribbon Commission on Clean Energy and Environmental Innovation, which will advise on the creation of the Green Innovation Fund and make it possible to invest in statewide solutions to meet the state’s clean energy goals. Gov. Evers has also proposed significant investments in clean energy innovation and workforce development in his 2023-25 Executive Budget.

The state’s first Clean Energy Plan, released last year, was developed by the Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy, and outlines strategies to lower energy bills for families, reduce reliance on out-of-state energy sources, invest in job and apprenticeship training, and create more than 40,000 jobs by 2030.

Learn more about the Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy here: https://osce.wi.gov/Pages/home.aspx