Eau Claire council member, others advocate for climate investments

EAU CLAIRE (WKBT) — An Eau Claire city council member was joined by other advocates Thursday in calling for U.S. Rep. Ron Kind and the federal government to fight for major climate investments.

Council member Jeremy Gragert spoke during an online event organized by the Wisconsin Environment and Climate Action Campaign, calling for bold investments in clean energy and action on climate changes to combat the dangerous extreme weather threatening the state.

“We need to upgrade outdated water infrastructure in Wisconsin to protect ourselves, because these floods are only going to get worse,” said Eau Claire City Councilmember Jeremy Gragert. “Cities and counties can’t fight this fight alone. We need Congress to pass a bold agenda of investment in resilient infrastructure and clean energy to bring job creation and new opportunities for all Americans, while protecting vulnerable communities and wildlife.”

The event also included Wisconsin Environment State Director Megan Severson, WKOW Senior Chief Meteorologist Bob Lindmeier, and occupational therapist Kelly DeMarco.

“Right now, climate change and extreme weather events are a threat to Wisconsin, where extreme weather means intense storms and flash flooding,” said Wisconsin Environment State Director Megan Severson. “I want to see Representative Kind and the rest of the Wisconsin delegation lead on big, bold climate investments. The time to act is now, and we can’t afford to wait any longer.”

Watch the event here.

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