Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future: Former Wisconsin Revenue Secretary Peter Barca joins Natural Allies Leadership Council as organization expands into Wisconsin – WisPolitics

Report on Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future’s Expansion into Wisconsin

Introduction: Appointment of Peter Barca to Leadership Council

Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future has announced its operational expansion into Wisconsin, appointing former Wisconsin Department of Revenue Secretary, Peter Barca, to its Leadership Council. Mr. Barca will lead the organization’s strategic initiatives within the state. This expansion addresses Wisconsin’s increasing energy demands driven by economic growth in manufacturing, data centers, and technology sectors.

Strategic Energy Approach and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The organization’s core strategy focuses on achieving key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through a balanced and pragmatic energy policy. The primary objectives include:

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: To ensure access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for all Wisconsin residents and businesses by partnering renewable energy sources with natural gas. This approach is designed to enhance grid reliability and maintain cost-effectiveness.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: To take urgent action to combat climate change by advancing an energy mix that significantly cuts emissions and helps the state meet its clean energy targets.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: To support sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth by providing a stable energy foundation that attracts investment, supports job creation, and strengthens the state’s economy.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: To build resilient energy infrastructure that can power industrial expansion and technological innovation, ensuring Wisconsin’s continued economic development.

Leadership Council and Commitment to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Peter Barca joins a distinguished group of leaders on the Natural Allies Leadership Council, reflecting a commitment to building a bipartisan consensus essential for achieving sustainable development. This collaborative approach embodies the principles of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. The council includes:

1. Former U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA)
2. Former Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH)
3. Former Congressman Kendrick Meek (D-FL)
4. Former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter (D)

Leadership Perspectives on Sustainable Development

Key stakeholders have commented on the strategic importance of this initiative for Wisconsin’s sustainable future.

• Peter Barca: “By embracing both renewables and natural gas, we can build a cleaner, more reliable energy future that supports job growth and keeps our economy strong,” aligning with SDG 7 and SDG 8.
• Mary Landrieu, Natural Allies Co-Chair: “Peter Barca’s leadership and deep understanding of Wisconsin’s economy will be a tremendous asset… He has always put practical solutions ahead of partisan politics, and that’s exactly the approach we need to strengthen our energy future.”
• Tim Ryan, Natural Allies Co-Chair: “He understands that natural gas and renewables working together can power growth, lower costs, and meet our climate goals at the same time,” directly referencing the interconnectedness of SDG 8, SDG 7, and SDG 13.
• Susan Waller, Executive Director: “His voice will help guide a constructive dialogue about how natural gas and renewable energy can work together to ensure a cleaner, more reliable, and more affordable energy future for every Wisconsinite.”

Professional Profile: Peter Barca

Peter Barca’s career in public service provides a foundation for his new role. His professional history includes:

• Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (2019–2024)
• Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District (2024)
• Member of U.S. House of Representatives, 103rd Congress (1993–1995)
• Member of Wisconsin State Assembly (1985–1993, 2009–2019), serving as Democratic Floor Leader (2011–2017)
• Midwest Regional Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration under President Bill Clinton

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article’s central theme is promoting a “balanced energy approach” that is “cleaner,” “affordable,” and “reliable.” It explicitly mentions “clean energy targets,” “renewables,” and keeping energy “costs affordable for families and businesses.”
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article connects the proposed energy strategy to economic prosperity, stating it “supports job growth and keeps our economy strong.” It also notes that Wisconsin’s economy is expanding with “new manufacturing, data center, and technology investment,” which requires a robust energy supply.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The need to “strengthen reliability” of the energy supply is a key point, which relates directly to building resilient infrastructure. The article also mentions supporting new “manufacturing, data center, and technology investment,” which are key components of industry and innovation.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • A primary goal of the energy strategy discussed is to “cut emissions” and “meet our climate goals.” This directly addresses the need for action to combat climate change and its impacts.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article describes the formation and expansion of “Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future,” a leadership council composed of various political leaders. This represents a multi-stakeholder partnership aiming to “build a durable bipartisan consensus” around energy policy to achieve sustainable development goals.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.1: “By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services.” The article repeatedly emphasizes the goal of ensuring an “affordable,” “reliable,” and “cleaner” energy future “for every Wisconsinite.”
   • Target 7.2: “By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.” The strategy of “advancing a balanced energy approach that partners renewables with natural gas” directly addresses this target.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.2: “Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation…” The article mentions supporting “new manufacturing, data center, and technology investment” as part of Wisconsin’s economic expansion.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: “Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.” The focus on strengthening “reliability” and keeping costs “affordable for families and businesses” aligns with this target.
   • Target 9.4: “By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable… with greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies…” The article’s advocacy for a “cleaner… energy future” to power industry is directly related to this target.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: “Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.” The entire initiative described is an effort to influence and guide Wisconsin’s “energy policy” to “meet our climate goals.”
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: “Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships…” The article is about a “Leadership Council” of public servants and former officials forming a partnership to advance specific energy solutions and “build a durable bipartisan consensus.”

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not mention specific, quantitative SDG indicators. However, it implies several metrics that could be used to measure progress towards the goals it discusses:

• Share of renewable energy in the energy mix: Implied by the strategy of “partnering renewables with natural gas.” Progress would be measured by the increasing percentage of energy generated from renewable sources.
• Level of greenhouse gas emissions: Implied by the stated goal to “cut emissions” and “meet our climate goals.” Progress would be measured by the reduction in total emissions from the energy sector.
• Energy affordability: Implied by the goal to “keep costs affordable for families and businesses.” This could be measured by tracking the average cost of electricity for residential and commercial customers.
• Energy reliability: Implied by the objective to “strengthen reliability.” This could be measured by metrics like the frequency and duration of power outages (e.g., System Average Interruption Duration Index – SAIDI).
• Economic and job growth in key sectors: Implied by the aim to “support job growth” and power “new manufacturing, data center, and technology investment.” This could be measured by tracking employment numbers and GDP contribution from these sectors.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: wispolitics.com