Gov. Tony Evers signs executive order to create task force on climate change

Gov. Tony Evers is taking another step to deal with climate change.   

The Democratic governor signed an executive order Thursday to develop a strategy "to mitigate and adapt" to the effects of a warming planet. 

The task force on climate change will be led by Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes and includes representatives from industry, agriculture and higher education. The group is expected to make recommendations by August.

"This is not a Republican issue, not a Democratic issue," Evers said before signing the executive order during an appearance at the Urban Ecology Center in Riverside Park.

Evers said the task force will "be a collaborative effort" that will "work together to solve problems." 

Since taking over as governor, Evers has made several moves on climate change in stark contrast to Republican Gov. Scott Walker, who downplayed the role humans play in a warming climate. 

Previously, Evers signed an executive order with a goal of eliminating carbon-based fuels by 2050. 

In that same order, he created an Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy.

Evers' moves aren't taking place in a vacuum. Wisconsin utilities are moving increasingly to wind and solar power and shutting down coal-fired power plants, as the price of renewable energy falls. For instance, Milwaukee-based WEC Energy Group has pledged to reduce carbon emissions by 80% from 2005 by 2050.

"So not only is climate change real but also it is an immediate threat to the state, our economy, our way of life and for the future of all generations of Wisconsinites," Evers said.

During a brief news conference, Evers was asked for his opinion about the Democratic-led impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump.

"Regarding what's going on in Washington, D.C., frankly I have no opinion on whether the Democrats or the House of Representatives are pursuing what they're pursuing," Evers said. "But clearly it is something that has taken the air out of the room, frankly."

He said his goal as governor is to "focus on the things that are pragmatic."