Menominee Nation shows off its clean energy and sustainability projects during Evers tour

KESHENA (WLUK) — In celebration of National Clean Energy Week, Governor Tony Evers made a stop in Keshena Tuesday to highlight efforts to bolster clean energy and sustainability.

Evers toured the Menominee Community Kitchen Solar Project and the Menominee Elder Home Solar and Battery Backup Project. Both are led by Sun Bear Industries, in partnership with the Menominee Nation.

Sun Bear Industries is a Green Bay-based company that works to support Tribal and underserved communities by outfitting homes with self-reliant energy systems — solar panels, in particular — with the goal of strengthening local energy independence.

“Being on the reservation and actually with the Menominee, it’s always been about sustainability. It’s about protecting Mother Earth,” said Darryl Pyawasay, community development and utilities assistant director.

As we can see, we’re going through a lot of climate change throughout the world and everything, with the storms and everything else. One way to take care of Mother Earth is to help her heal, so what better way to do it than through clean energy? Because a majority of the energy right now is through coal mines, other fossil fuels, gases, those types of things.

Evers was very complimentary of the Menominee Nation’s work to promote clean energy.

“They’re doing a lot of good work, having lots of opportunities to collect energy from the sun and make it happen and make it part of their daily life, so it’s great to see that happening. And they’re going to continue the work,” Evers said. “I know solar energy from the federal government is not a real popular thing, but I can tell you, this nation here in Menominee is going full power and it’s really impressive what they’re doing.”

Evers said creating a clean energy economy in Wisconsin is a priority for him as he completes his last term in office.