Green Bay sustainability commission backs resolution urging federal lawmakers to retain clean‑energy tax credits

The Green Bay Sustainability Commission voted to recommend a revised resolution to the Common Council asking Wisconsin’s congressional delegation to reject the repeal of clean‑energy tax credits and related federal funding programs proposed in House Concurrent Resolution 14.

The resolution, amended on the commission floor to use positive language, was recommended to full council after staff and commissioners described how the federal tax credits support the city’s Clean Energy Green Bay Plan and local projects.

Melissa (city resiliency coordinator) told the commission that the city’s Clean Energy Green Bay Plan relies heavily on federal tax credits and other programs, and that “Without these federal programs, it will be not impossible, but infinitely slower to implement our clean energy plan.” Alex, the city’s clean energy connector, added that many components of the city’s plan — including home and commercial electrification, building efficiency measures and residential rooftop solar — “are going to be really difficult to have people make these transitions without those kinds of incentives in place.”

Commission members said the credits affect both municipal projects and private investments. Alder Walter Presley said the change would complicate budgeting and could push some projects onto the tax levy, calling the coming budget season “difficult” if expected federal incentives disappear. Public commenter Sister Sally Ann Brickner of the Sisters of Saint Francis of the Holy Cross asked whether the draft could say “retain the clean energy funding programs” rather than frame the resolution as opposing repeal; commissioners accepted that suggestion and shifted the draft to more affirmative language.

Commission staff explained the local connection: a 2021 Green Bay Common Council resolution committed the city to 100% clean energy and carbon neutrality by 2050, and the Clean Energy Green Bay Plan pairs that goal with projects that would see lower returns if federal tax credits were removed. Staff recommended the commission support the resolution and forward it for Common Council consideration.

After discussion and several wording edits to emphasize support for continuation and expansion of investments that enable energy affordability and economic opportunity, the Sustainability Commission voted to recommend the amended resolution to the Common Council for adoption. Commissioner Krista Cannon made the motion to recommend the resolution as amended; Alder Presley seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote.

The commission and staff noted timing constraints for council scheduling and legal review; staff said they will post minutes and materials in line with new packet and posting requirements so the item can appear on the next Common Council agenda.