Mercury Pollution Threatens Wisconsin’s Fishing Tradition

MADISON — Anglers across Wisconsin will embark on a decades-old environmental tradition Saturday when the state’s annual fishing season begins. However, as Wisconsin’s fishermen and women head out to cast their lines this weekend, it’s important they remain aware of the risk mercury pollution from coal plants poses to our waters, our health and this prized fishing custom.

Microbeads: Victory for Wisconsin’s Waters

MADISON — The state Assembly unanimously passed a bill this afternoon that will phase out the manufacture and sale of personal care products containing microbeads, moving Wisconsin waters — especially the Great Lakes — one step closer to being protected from the emerging issue of microplastic pollution.

Earth Day 2015: Four Feature Story Angles

MADISON — Next Thursday, April 22 marks the 45th observance of Earth Day, a day to promote responsible citizenship and sound policy to preserve natural resources and lay the foundation for a healthier future. To assist with your environmental reporting needs, Clean Wisconsin offers the following story angles for consideration; Clean Wisconsin staff is available for comment on these and other environmental issues.

Proposed Bayfield County Feeding Operation Raises Concerns

MADISON – With many unanswered questions about the potential for water pollution, air quality, odor management and other health and environmental impacts, additional study in the form of an environmental impact statement (EIS) is needed for a proposed 26,000-pig concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) in Bayfield County.

Senate Unanimously Supports Microbeads Bill

MADISON — With unanimous support in the state Senate this afternoon, Wisconsin’s waters, especially our Great Lakes, are one step closer to being protected against the growing problem of microplastic pollution after legislation that would phase out the manufacture of personal care products containing microbeads was passed.

Statement on Gogebic Taconite Closing Wisconsin Operation

MADISON — Gogebic Taconite’s announcement today that it is shuttering its Hurley office and ending its current efforts to build an open-pit iron mine in Northern Wisconsin comes as no surprise. From the first rumor of this mining company coming into Wisconsin’s Northwoods five years ago, there was no debating the significant risk to natural resources the mine posed.

Victory: Ending the SS Badger’s Coal Ash Dumping Tradition

We’re excited to share that we’re on the verge of victory: The SS Badger’s halting its longstanding tradition of dumping 500 tons of coal ash into Lake Michigan each summer. The ferry’s owners are now moving to comply with a federal court order to stop the dumping, an important step forward in reaffirming the sanctity of this precious water resource.