Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has signed an executive order declaring an energy emergency to address challenges in the distribution of residential heating fuel, including heating oil and propane, amid severe winter weather.

By including the measure in his 2025-27 biennial budget request, Evers hopes to force the budget committee to hold a vote on that request.

Ahead of state lawmakers’ swearing-in on Monday, Gov. Tony Evers is proposing that the Legislature create a way for Wisconsin residents to directly create ballot measures that make statutory and constitutional changes through the referendum process.