The Wisconsin EJII is a cross-disciplinary group that aims to provide greater access to networks, leadership, and resources that support the mission of equitable infrastructure investment, in a wide range of Environmental Justice situations, involving the rights of individuals and families, especially Wisconsin communities of color.
EJII Issues
EJII Wisconsin Strategic Direction
2023 Quarters 2, 3, and 4
The Environmental Justice and Infrastructure Initiative (EJII) Wisconsin has an ambitious strategic direction for the second half of 2023, with several key initiatives underway that will be in operation through the remainder of 2023.
EJII will continue to advocate for increased resources for economically isolated communities in the governor's budget. Priority areas include whole-home approaches to catalyze energy efficiency, renewable retrofits, and green jobs and banking. The budget proceedings are expected to be completed through the Legislature by July 2023.
EJII is currently focused on the Percentage of Income Payment Program Pilot, alternative payment program docket at the Wisconsin Public Service Commission. The organization is engaging in initial conversations and planning with all stakeholders to prepare for initial public listening sessions and develop a scoping strategy and framework of accountability to deliver the most appropriate alternative payment program for the percentage of income payment program pilot.
EJII is participating in the We Energies LIFT program docket to rewrite and update the tariff. These updates will include programming arrangements that allow customers to reduce utility interruption disruptions and compounded billing, regardless of socio-economic income. Additionally, EJII is in direct conversations with utilities about workforce development, and tariffs for utility scale sustainability projects in neighborhoods across Milwaukee.
EJII has identified and is exploring participation in the Alliant utility rate case in Dane County to support the Madison Urban League and other energy burden stakeholders in the Madison area. This case will be initiated before the end of the second quarter in 2023.
Increase green jobs learning and career certification pathway opportunities
Access to educators and trainners in the virtual classroom and other learning settings trough parnterships and strategic alliances.
Empowering and mobilizing youth with technology
Integrating new learning modalities, tools and frameworks. Experiential learning & Micro-Certification
Accelerating influence for sustainable solutions at local level
Integrating policies, strategies and programs at the direction of impacted community stakeholdeers.
Transforming learning and training environments
Different approach to evalution. Changing the ways learning outcomes and the quality of programs are assessed
Equity-Centered
Energy, Broadband, Water, Transporation
An equity-centered delivery of infrastructure is one that seeks to address racial disparities and create a more equitable distribution of resources.
Procedural and Restorative Justice
Procedural justice, restorative and justice must also be included in any equity-centered delivery infrastructure.
Affordable Housing and Home Ownership
Whole Home Approach - affordable housing (new construction and rehab) through lead remediation, electrification, energy efficiency, renewable energy retrofits fulfilled through an integrated cross-collaborative approach.
BIPOC Business and Workforce Sustainability
Education
Risk Management
Human Resource
Accounting
Legal