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Bill

SB 856

Relating to: climate change scholarships and making an appropriation. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Carpenter and 4 co-sponsors

Wisconsin bill establishing state-funded scholarships for students pursuing climate change and environmental mitigation careers; failed to pass in 2026 legislative session.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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Bill Summary · SB 856

Legislative bill overview

SB 856 would establish a scholarship program in Wisconsin specifically for students pursuing education and careers in climate change mitigation, adaptation, and related environmental fields. The bill includes a fiscal appropriation to fund these scholarships, making financial support available to eligible students in the state's higher education system.

Why is this important

Climate-focused workforce development directly affects Wisconsin's ability to participate in growing clean energy and environmental sectors while potentially creating economic opportunities in emerging industries. Scholarship programs can address barriers to education access while strategically building human capital in policy-prioritized fields, though funding mechanisms and eligibility criteria determine actual reach and effectiveness.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal cost and appropriation disputes: The bill requires state funding during a period of competing budget priorities; opponents may question whether climate-specific scholarships justify the expenditure compared to general education funding or other state needs
  • Political polarization on climate action: Climate change policy remains highly partisan in Wisconsin and nationally; critics may view this as promoting a particular ideological environmental agenda through public funding rather than letting market demand drive education choices
  • Scope and definition concerns: Questions may arise about how "climate change" fields are defined, whether programs are too narrow (limiting student choice) or too broad (diluting program focus), and which institutions qualify to participate

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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