Climate Policy
Climate change is the single greatest existential threat our society has ever faced. While Madison cannot solve this problem alone, we have to do everything in our power to reduce our emissions and prepare for the challenges climate change will bring in the future.
Invest in Public Transit
The most effective way we can lower Madison’s carbon footprint is to get cars off of the road. In order to do that, we need to make our bus system faster, more convenient, and more appealing to the average commuter. For more info on how we can do this, see my transportation policy.
Improve Flood Prevention
What were once generational downpours have now become nearly annual occurrences. Every time our city floods, homes are damaged, streets become unusable, and the impacts of climate change become incredibly tangible for everyone in Madison. We have to prepare for these storms by planting more rain gardens, retrofitting old buildings and streets, and working with the county to lower lake levels.
Expand PACE Loan Program
Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) loans are a great way to incentivize businesses and developers to pursue clean energy projects while also making sound investments with our city’s budget. By expanding our PACE program to easily offer smaller-budget loans, we can extend this service to homeowners and small business owners who wish to make less costly, but still impactful, solar panel or energy efficiency projects.
Prepare for Heat Waves
Climate change means that we will continue to experience record breaking heat each summer, putting vulnerable people at risk of heat stroke and taxing our energy grid as air conditioning use exceeds expected levels. We need to work with our utility companies to enhance and safeguard the grid, as well as create more public shaded/cooled areas so those without AC are able to stay safe during heat waves.
Freeze Data Center Development
AI Data Centers consume inordinate amounts of energy and water, threatening our climate resiliency and hastening the worst of global warming. Madison should freeze any new data center development within our borders and use our influence in the region to prevent developments in neighboring municipalities that would use our shared resources and cost our ratepayers.
Clean Lakes, Parks, and Air
Madison’s natural beauty is one of its greatest assets - from the gorgeous lakes to the amazing parks, we need to do everything we can to keep our environment free from pollution. We must work with local organizations to cut down on dangerous pollutants in our water, hold our parks and public spaces to a high degree of excellence, and keep our air free of smoke and other irritants.