Blog
Clean Wisconsin case study: Finding policy success in Wisconsin’s difficult political climate
How can advocates continue to advance change in the face of a divided, politicized state government? It’s a key question for environmental policy advocates in Wisconsin as we take on the urgent climate crisis. But you need only look to the Milwaukee area to see that change is not only possible, it’s happening…
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Water
Investing in one of our nation’s great waterways
To date, the Mississippi River, one of America’s iconic waterways, has received no such investment, but hopefully that will soon change. Clean Wisconsin recently joined the Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative (MRRRI), a coalition of national, regional, and state groups seeking to create a program like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for the Mississippi River Basin.
Clean Wisconsin joins agricultural, environmental groups to address rural drinking water pollution
While Wisconsin’s water quality challenges have received more attention from lawmakers the last couple of years, we haven’t seen the bold, transformative policies necessary to put Wisconsin on a firm path to cleaner water come to fruition. A host of complications,...
Dirty Water Rule puts Wisconsin’s drinking water at risk.
This truth is why in 1972, Congress enacted the bipartisan Clean Water Act to protect our nation’s streams and wetlands and keep our water safe. And it’s why in 2020, Clean Wisconsin filed a lawsuit in federal court with other environmental groups to challenge the Trump Administration’s “Dirty Water Rule,” which will wipe out many of these vital protections.
Digging deeper: What are ephemeral streams and non-adjacent wetlands?
The Dirty Water Rule will have major impacts to water quality due to the importance of ephemeral streams and non-adjacent wetlands. But what are these waterbodies?
The Year of Clean Drinking Water is over. What comes next?
Early last year, in his State of the State Address, Gov. Evers declared 2019 the Year of Clean Drinking Water. While 2019 is behind us, the governor has continually reiterated—through his words and actions—his support for efforts to address polluted drinking water that plagues too many Wisconsin residents.
Climate/Energy
Countdown from coal
What Wisconsin’s latest coal plant closing tells us about the future of energy.
Breathing easier
In a major victory for Wisconsin’s air quality, a federal appeals court judge ruled on July 10, 2020 that the US Environmental Protection Agency had failed to protect Wisconsin residents from ozone pollution when determining which counties met health standards for the pollutant.
With Climate Action Plan, Dane County sees climate change as an opportunity
The plan charts a way forward for the county to meet carbon reduction goals and prepares the county for the impacts of climate change in a way that creates economic opportunity, builds social equity, and protects public health.
Under the Lens: Is Wisconsin seeing more heavy rain events?
One of the anticipated impacts of climate change in Wisconsin is an increase in extreme storms and subsequent flood events. Those of us in southern Wisconsin got a taste of this from the storm last August that dropped nearly of a foot rain in parts of Dane County, and many other areas of the state experienced similar heavy rain events. While it is impossible to definitively attribute a particular event to climate change, is there any evidence that we are already experiencing more heavy rain events?
Why we’re suing to stop the Nemadji Trail Energy Center
The environmental impacts, from a warming climate to local water concerns, would be felt by all Wisconsin residents. That’s why we feel it is important to take this legal stand.
Other News
Happy Earth Day.
On the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we celebrate our history and forge ahead for our future.
Reducing waste while being ‘safer at home’
With the entire state being ordered to stay at home due to COVID-19, there are undoubtedly benefits to the environment. Still, there are further ways for everyone to reduce waste, save money, and help the planet.
Our message regarding the coronavirus.
Please know that despite this crisis, we’re still here, working to protect your environment.
Nemadji: A Resource at Risk
Lake Superior is the lifeblood of Northern Wisconsin. But the largest Great Lake has a problem: climate change.
Trailer: “Nemadji”
COMING SOON: Two utility companies are pushing the state of Wisconsin to authorize a $700 million fossil fuel plant in Superior. Neighbors, activists, tribal nations, and scientists are pushing back.