In each issue of the Defender, we bring you updates on our campaigns to protect Wisconsin’s air, water, and natural heritage. Browse through the archived articles on this page or click the button below to read a selection of articles from the current issue. Become a member to receive The Defender quarterly and stay informed on the latest environmental news and issues that matter to you.
Archived Articles
2025
Pushing back on chainsaw politics
Clean Wisconsin is ready for this moment
AI data centers and the artificial need for dirty energy
The path forward: Advancing Clean Wisconsin’s legislative priorities for 2025-2026
Our legal team is making progress in two major cases
From energy crisis to climate crisis: The origin of energy codes and why we must move forward
Home energy assessments: Get to know your home
The Defender podcast: Q & A with Amy Barrilleaux
Featured clean energy project: Badger Hollow Wind
Under the Lens: Microplastics in the environment and our bodies
Lessons from history: Regulatory responses to persistent pollutants
Wisconsin Neonicotinoid Workgroup: Moving forward with collaboration and awareness
From grain to glass
An antiquated state rule is holding back affordable housing in Wisconsin
2024
On American energy independence: Freedom doesn’t come in barrels
State Legislature shakes up after election
Wisconsin Neonic Forum: Understanding the impact of neonicotinoid insecticides on agriculture and the environment
The bigger picture: Connecting the dots between health and the environment
The Safe Drinking Water Act reaches its 50th anniversary
The future of home energy rebates is unclear
Clean energy projects bring rural communities new path to prosperity
Strengthening local partnerships
Reimagining Melvina Park
The path forward: A message from Mark Redsten, Clean Wisconsin President & CEO
Natural Climate Solutions: A path forward for Wisconsin’s agriculture sector
Understanding the impact of neonicotinoid insecticides
Saluting Senator Rob Cowles, Environmental Champion
Wisconsinisms: Good for Old Fashioneds, bad for your energy bills
Rural champions for solar
Under the Lens: Launching the Environmental Health Initiative
The Old & The New
IRA at the Black Business Hub: Celebrating 2 years of historic investments
Home efficiency rebates are here!
An evening for public health and the environment
You defeated the referendums!
Proposed Line 5 reroute reaches critical juncture
Under the Lens: The Truth About Natural Gas
Let’s talk about the environmental impacts of Vista Sands Solar
Coming soon: big rebates for home energy upgrades
Under the Lens: Environmental benefits of solar farms extend beyond cleaner air
Transforming Wisconsin’s agriculture for the future
Federal funding brings change, excitement to Wisconsin communities
Bad River: Powerful documentary follows Wisconsin tribe’s fight for sovereignty and environmental justice
Showing up for wind in Wisconsin
Why the dream kitchen shouldn’t include a gas stove
Move by Wisconsin’s electric grid operator exposes myth of gas plant dependability
Grazing in action
Back to the Future: We Energies Doubles Down on Fossil Fuel
Why Wisconsin Needs New Building Codes
Harnessing the IRA: Holy Wisdom Monastery’s Net Zero Journey
When Good Science Brings Good News
Under the Lens: What we know about PFAS contamination in Wisconsin’s drinking water
Wisconsin’s Rural Solar Boom
Rethinking Reliability: Winter storms expose myth of reliable natural gas
Restoring the Mighty Mississippi: The Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative Act of 2023
The Transition to Grass: Grazing bill gains bipartisan support and legislative traction
Celebrating African American Environmental Pioneers
2023
New Plant Hardiness Zone Maps mean big news for farmers and gardeners
Farm Bill 101
Introducing… Eco Spotlight!
Gov. Evers separation of powers lawsuit argues overreach of legislative committees
No more gas meter!
Both / And
Clean energy wins in Alliant rate case
Under the Lens: Mitigating bird and bat mortality at wind farms
Clean Wisconsin intervenes in lawsuit targeting water protections
Wisconsin’s Green Fire and Clean Wisconsin to launch two-year project re-envisioning farm conservation
Clean Wisconsin Works on grazing legislation
Green infrastructure workday in Milwaukee
Proposed EPA power plant rules would save Wisconsin millions in healthcare-related costs
Power Struggle: MG&E and Alliant Energy rate cases
Transmission lines help fund key infrastructure and services in rural communities
Under the Lens: Hazardous Air Pollutants in Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Future: Two key projects to watch
Taste the Change: Wisconsin Kernza®
President Biden visits Wisconsin to celebrate IRA anniversary
The Future of Fossil Fuels in Wisconsin
Aronia Berries in Wisconsin
Support A Clean Way to Move Energy
Q & A with Water and Agriculture Program Director Sara Walling
Three Big Things
Under the Lens: Exploring carbon capture and storage
Climate Cash: How Wisconsin can make the most of historic federal funds
Taste the Change: Emerging climate-smart perennial crops
Q & A with Energy Program Manager Ciaran Gallagher
All eyes on Wisconsin – Environmental protections at stake in state Supreme Court race
2022
Under the Lens: The Truth About Natural Gas
Q & A with Resilient Communities Program Director Nancy Retana
Expanding the Resilient Communities Program
Under the Lens: Homegrown energy in Wisconsin
Fixing our broken food system
The critical role of Wisconsin agriculture in addressing climate change
Wind and solar emerge as cheapest options for powering Wisconsin
Under the Lens: Hydrogen fuel cells as a carbon-free energy source
Holding our environment hostage: NRB chair’s abuse of power supported by state Supreme Court
Innovative stormwater solutions in Milwaukee
Clean Wisconsin’s Science Program makes a difference
Clean and Healthy Buildings: Plugging in to a safe, sustainable future
Extremism in the Courts: West Virginia v. EPA
Opposing a new methane gas plant in Marathon County
Under the Lens: The Truth About Natural Gas
Clean Wisconsin case study: Finding policy success in Wisconsin’s difficult political climate
2021
2021 in Review: Clean Wisconsin wins pair of landmark state Supreme Court cases
Under the Lens: Wisconsin’s Wolves
Leveling Up Energy Efficiency
Investing in one of our nation’s great waterways
Legal update: State Supreme Court hears two major environmental cases
Clean Wisconsin joins agricultural, environmental groups to address rural drinking water pollution
2020
2020: A year of growth and change
2018
A Message from Clean Wisconsin President Mark Redsten
Under the Lens: Breaking down the new climate change report
Legal Department Updates
Managing water where it falls
Clean Wisconsin finds state continues to permit high-capacity wells near sensitive waters
Trump’s Clean Power Plan replacement misses the mark
Clean Wisconsin challenges EPA over ozone pollution
Southwest Wisconsin counties launch well water quality study
2016
Community solar installations in Wisconsin on the rise
Under the Lens: Sealing the Science on PAHs
2015
Clean Power Plan: A new plan, a new path, a multitude of benefits
An Alternative to Waukesha’s Diversion
Under the Lens: Blue-Green Algae
2015 Budget Bill Recap
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