Scientific Research
Leading with Science
At Clean Wisconsin, we don’t just follow the science—we are actively conducting research and analysis. Our in-house science team is the only one of its kind at an environmental nonprofit in the state, grounding everything we do in evidence, research, and results. From research briefs that inform legislation to expert reports that support new clean energy development and public health, science drives our mission and sharpens our strategies.
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How We Work
Turning Research Into Results
Science isn’t just a backdrop to our advocacy—it’s the foundation. Our science team investigates the most pressing environmental challenges facing Wisconsin, then translates that data into action. Whether we’re testifying at the Capitol, modeling clean energy scenarios, or mapping pollution exposure, our scientific work is shaping a healthier, cleaner future for everyone in Wisconsin
Conducting in depth research and modeling
Guiding policy with technical analysis
Supporting legal cases with data and expert testimony
Collaborating with communities and public health researchers
Science for Our Health
Human Health Impacts of Pollution
Exposure to pollution in our air, water, and food isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a public health crisis. That’s why Clean Wisconsin is conducting critical research to identify pollution hotspots, trace exposure routes, and document the human toll. These health briefs provide an overview of the many pollution issues facing Wisconsin.
Our Air
Wildfire Smoke in Wisconsin: Effects on Health
The number of days that Wisconsin’s air quality is affected by wildfire smoke has risen dramatically over the past 15 years, causing increased death and disruption in the state.
Hazardous Air Pollutants & Environmental Justice in Wisconsin
Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAPs) can cancer or other serious health effects but there are currently no air quality standards for HAPs.
Health Benefits of Clean Energy in Wisconsin
Wind and solar produce no emissions while generating electricity, and there are little established direct health effects from solar panels or wind turbines.
Our Water
PFAS and Health: Contamination in Private and Public Wells in Wisconsin
Once PFAS get into the environment or our bodies, they do not break down, and environmental contamination continues to build as more PFAS are introduced to the environment. Any exposure to PFAS can pose health risks.
Common Pesticides Used in Wisconsin & Potential Health Harms
Pesticides are widely used in Wisconsin to control weeds and pests that threaten crop yields, but their use comes with health, environmental, and ecological consequences.
Nitrates & Health: Drinking Water in Wisconsin
Nitrates are Wisconsin’s most widespread groundwater contaminant, threatening the drinking water of over two-thirds of Wisconsinites who rely on groundwater as their primary source of drinking water.
News and Insights
Latest News from our Science Team
Expert Insights
Under the Lens: Lake Mendota as a climate change sentinel
One way of chronicling climate change in cooler regions like Wisconsin is to look at trends in ice on waterbodies.
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Expert Insights
Clear As Mud: Hidden thirst of data centers
Large energy demands, and often corresponding water needs, pose a risk to Wisconsin’s water resources.
Read MoreExpert Insights
Podcasts
Pesticides and Our Bodies
What we know about the impacts of neonic pesticides on our bodies and how to limit exposure.
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Press Releases
New Analysis: Data Center Water Consumption Will Be Far Higher Than Tech Companies Claim
When water use at power plants is accounted for, one AI data center could use more water than an entire Wisconsin city.
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Latest Research
In Depth Research & Analysis
From nutrient runoff in our waterways to air pollution and land degradation, our science team investigates the root causes of Wisconsin’s most pressing environmental challenges—and shares evidence-based insights to drive smarter policy and lasting solutions.
Natural Climate Solutions Roadmap
This first-of-its kind analysis uses peer-reviewed science and on-the-ground case studies to identify pathways toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in Wisconsin’s agricultural sector.
Offsite Water Use of Data Centers
Data centers require a lot of energy. If they use non-renewable sources, their indirect water use could rival that of entire Wisconsin cities.
Wisconsin AI Data Center Power Needs Analysis and Comparison
1 gigawatt (GW) of data center demand equals the power needs of more than a million Wisconsin homes.
The Cost of Nitrate Contamination in Wisconsin’s Drinking Water
Wisconsin faces a growing public health crisis caused by widespread nitrate contamination in our drinking water.
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