Administration cancels $75 million in climate grants to Wisconsin, data shows

Through executive orders and the Republican reconciliation bill signed into law in July, the administration has cancelled or proposed the cancellation of about $75 million in grants and loans meant for climate-focused projects in Wisconsin, according to data collected by the environmental policy group Atlas Public Policy.

The cancelled projects include money for the state’s Department of Military Affairs to make infrastructure more resilient to climate change and a grant for the Milwaukee-based water quality non-profit Reflo, Inc. to help children in the city learn about sustainability and the environment.... 

Milwaukee energy efficiency

Among the projects that have lost their funding is a grant program under the Inflation Reduction Act to help the city of Milwaukee’s Environmental Collaboration Office work with non-profit organizations to help residents of the city’s predominately Black north side and predominately Latino south side connect with programs to make their homes more energy efficient....

...“At the end of the day, we are trying to help the people that need the help the most, help them save on their energy bills and help them get their families stabilized, and create better environments for kids, and better environmental conditions for kids to have a better chance in life,” he says...

   ...more

Leo’s notes: The rollback of $75 million in federal climate and resilience funding for Wisconsin is more than a budget cut — it’s a direct hit to vulnerable communities, from Milwaukee’s north and south sides to tribal lands. These canceled projects would have lowered energy bills, improved housing safety, and strengthened climate resilience. Stripping this support midstream undermines stability for families, contractors, and local governments working toward a safer, more sustainable future. Wisconsin can’t afford political whiplash when the threats of climate change — from wildfire smoke to worsening floods — are already here. Consistent investment in climate-resilient, affordable housing isn’t partisan; it’s essential.

Ken Notes: We are not taking political sides but we are advocating for more affordable housing, and efficiency is a huge part of that...