Author: Clean Wisconsin

Tuesday’s Supreme Court decision upholding EPA rule will benefit Wisconsin residents

MADISON — State by state, air pollution from coal-fired power plants is a deadly export. Here in Wisconsin, we’re breathing pollution from states as far away as Texas, Virginia and North Carolina. The smog and soot are tied to heart attacks, bronchitis and asthma. Wind patterns make us a bad neighbor as well, whisking our pollutants all over the map to communities in Michigan, New Jersey, South Dakota and many others.

This weekend’s fishing opener comes amid new information about Wisconsin’s mercury threat

MADISON — New  analysis shows that Wisconsin’s already impaired waters remain at risk of taking on even more of the harmful toxin from nearly 1 million old mercury-containing thermostats. As anglers throughout Wisconsin prepare to cast lines for the big catch during this weekend’s much-anticipated fishing opener, it’s important to remain aware of the mercury threat and fish consumption guidelines.

Renowned adventurer Jon Turk serves as latest installment of Doug La Follette Environmental Speakers Program

MADISON — More than 40 years of global exploration have shown Jon Turk, first-hand, that the world is a changing place. As part of Clean Wisconsin’s Doug La Follette Environmental Speakers Program, Turk, a National Geographic Top 10 Adventurer, gave a talk on his experience with climate change Saturday at the Lussier Family Heritage Center in Madison.

MADISON — April 22, 2014, marks the 44th 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. The following are story angles and experts offered by Clean Wisconsin to assist in your environmental reporting needs. In addition to these angles, Clean Wisconsin’s staff is available for comment on environmental issues.

Local residents want safe, clean drinking water

ADAMS — Nearly 100 people attended a public hearing to call for action over dangerously high nitrate levels in the groundwater near a Central Wisconsin heifer operation. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources granted the hearing as it considers an exemption for nitrate contamination at Burr Oak Heifers in Richfield, Adams County.

MADISON — From its meager beginnings as a day of environmental awareness, Earth Day has grown into a global affair in support of healthy, sustainable ideas for use year-round. April 22, 2014, marks the 44th observance of Earth Day. Especially for Wisconsinites, it’s a time of proud reflection. After all, it was Wisconsin native, U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson, who established the first Earth Day 44 years ago.

Clean Wisconsin, dozens of citizens, are granted hearing after calling for action

MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Natural resources is granting a public hearing for April 15 after the widespread call for action over dangerously high nitrate levels in the groundwater near a Central Wisconsin dairy farm. Clean Wisconsin joined more than 40 concerned citizens requesting the hearing to advocate for cleaner water.

Bill aims to create jobs and transition Wisconsin to a clean energy economy

MADISON — By the year 2030, 30 percent of the electricity in Wisconsin would be generated by renewable sources under a plan unveiled today in the state Legislature called the Wisconsin Renewable Energy Act. The proposal would build significantly on the current standard for 10 percent renewables by 2015.

Environmental impact statement falls short of legal requirement to explore impacts on natural resources

MADISON  — A 74-mile natural gas pipeline proposed in west central Wisconsin has potential to create numerous and significant adverse impacts on wetlands, surface water, rare or threatened species’ habitats and high-quality woodlands. The draft environmental impact statement (EIS) fails to adequately address many key environmental issues including the effects of increased sand mining that could be promoted by the pipeline.