The Sconi

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers is flexing his executive power muscle to create the Office of Environmental Justice.

In celebration of Earth Day, Evers signed off on the newly enacted legislation, stressing that the office will work in conjunction with the Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy to "promote environmentally just policies and prevent disparate outcomes in communities across the state" as a part of Evers' newly released Clean Energy Plan.

Evers explained his reason for moving to take action is simple.

“Too many Wisconsinites have felt the effects of climate change firsthand—rural communities have had roads or bridges washed out, farmers have lost crops or livestock due to extreme weather, small business owners who’ve seen their businesses destroyed by floods, or the disparate health impacts we see due to polluted air and water," he added in a news release.

A 2021 EPA report details the way climate change tends to cripple communities that can least afford it. Communities of color, Tribal Nations, rural areas and low-income communities have proven to be the most vulnerable, namely because they don’t have the means to prepare for or recover from the extreme weather.

The Office of Environmental Justice chief resilience officer will be responsible for leading the plan for change.

"The Office of Environmental Justice will play a critical role by helping promote policies and strategies to enhance climate resilience, ensuring our communities and families can prepare for and recover from the effects of climate change, and getting resources and support to folks who need our help the most," Evers added.