Clean Wisconsin’s latest analysis unveils a startling fact: AI data centers in the state, notably Vantage Data Center and Microsoft’s new hub, will consume over 3.9 gigawatts—more power than all state homes combined. Meanwhile, Senator Tammy Baldwin celebrates the Senate’s approval of a crucial bill to combat toxic algae in Wisconsin’s lakes. This legislation mandates improved coordination across various agencies to tackle harmful algal blooms effectively. Plus, gear up for the Wisconsin Climate March, promising to rally eco-enthusiasts statewide. Stay tuned for more on the Defender Podcast and join the green movement!

Wisconsin hunters are warned: mallard and wood ducks from Green Bay are contaminated with PFAS chemicals, traced to Tyco fire products. Meanwhile, the crucial Mississippi River Ecosystem Research Area faces severe federal budget cuts, threatening its century-old scientific contributions on water quality and wildlife. These developments underscore the importance of environmental vigilance and advocacy. On a brighter note, $150 million is available for Wisconsinites to enhance home energy efficiency. Tune into Clean Wisconsin’s Defender podcast for more insights and take action at cleanwisconsin.org.

Wisconsin’s environmental scene heats up as a state court of appeals rejects a lawsuit threatening crucial water protections, safeguarding waterways from CAFOs’ waste. Meanwhile, the Line 5 oil pipeline controversy escalates, with the battle shifting to Madison. Experts are set to testify on the environmental risks of Enbridge’s plan to expand the pipeline, which involves clearing land and affecting wetlands in northern Wisconsin. The episode highlights the power of legal action in environmental protection and the ongoing tension between industrial interests and ecological preservation in the state.

Regulators have imposed a hefty $29 million burden on Midwest families to revive a dormant coal plant in Michigan, thanks to a controversial Trump-era emergency order. The financial hit has sparked outcry as the plant’s inefficiency becomes painfully clear in just five weeks. Meanwhile, Wisconsin’s often-overlooked wetlands are emerging as unsung heroes, offering a staggering $4.5 billion in flood protection annually. As climate change debates rage, the EPA’s surprising stance that climate won’t harm us could spell trouble for Wisconsin. Tune into the Defender podcast for a deeper dive into these pressing environmental issues.

A legal challenge against the Line 5 oil pipeline is set to begin August 12 in Ashland. Canadian oil giant Enbridge wants to trench and blast across northern Wisconsin to make way for a new 41-mile section of the pipeline. Environmental groups and the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa are challenging permits and other approvals for the project issued by the DNR.

Environmental groups across Wisconsin are calling on the state’s congressional representatives not to support a bill that would weaken the Clean Water Act. The so-called PERMIT Act would, among other harms, allow polluters to release PFAS “forever chemicals” into waterways without telling state officials, allow massive amounts of pesticides to be released into waterways, and fast-track projects that destroy wetlands & streams.

For a deep dive into Wisconsin’s most pressing environmental issues, check out my Defender podcast at cleanwisconsin.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Baby bald eagles near the great lakes are testing positive for PFAS and other toxic chemicals. Researchers found that eagles living near the great lakes had six times more toxic chemicals in their blood streams than inland populations. Other chemicals found were DDT and PCBs which were banned decades ago.

A small Wisconsin school district just got some big clean energy bragging rights. The Eleva-Strum school district, in Trempealeau County, unveiled 184 ground mount solar panels that will deliver about 20% of the district’s energy needs – and will be a living classroom for solar energy and energy data. The installation cost $150,000, and will pay for itself through emergy bill savings in about 8 years.

Knowledge is power. For a deep dive into Wisconsin’s environmental issues, check out my Defender podcast at cleanwisconsin.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

An unwelcome surprise for Wisconsin farmers looking to apply for the Federal Rural Energy for America Program, or REAP. The popular program helps rural small businesses and farmers invest in money saving energy efficiency upgrades and clean energy. But the application window that was supposed to open July 1st was abruptly closed by the USDA. The agency says it is delaying the grant application window.

The EPA is awarding a $700,000 grant to help Kenosha County pay for final phase of restoration of the Pike River. Crews are restoring banks and habitat along the River and planting native pollinator-friendly plants. The project is aimed at improving the quality of water flowing into Lake Michigan.

For a deep dive into environmental issues impacting Wisconsin, check out my Defender Podcast at cleanwisconsin.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

We’re seeing all the smoke, but what exactly is causing all the fires in Canada? Turns out the 5,000-year-old forest stretching across the country doesn’t get as much snow cover in the spring as it used to and is experiencing warmer, drier summers because of climate change, making wildfire season much more severe. Canada’s boreal forest is the largest intact forest in the world.

If you’re in the market for new insulation, energy efficient appliances, heating & cooling upgrades – now is definitely the time. The new Mega-budget signed into law earlier this month means federal incentives to help families save energy are about to go away. But Wisconsin’s program still has federal funding available. Head to focusonenergy.com and click on IRA Home Energy Rebates.

Knowledge is power. For a deep dive into Wisconsin’s most pressing environmental issues, check out my Defender podcast at cleanwisconsin.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court hands a big win to the environment. The court ruled it is unconstitutional for a legislative committee to block rules created by state agencies. The decision means good environmental rules now face an easier path to getting to the finish line and becoming law. For years, “legislative vetoes” by a handful of legislators stymied a long list of environmental protections.

After more than 30 years the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program is going unfunded. Money for the legacy program was stripped out of the budget by the Joint Committee on Finance. The program helps preserve our state’s wildlife areas and fisheries through land purchases and grants. Now that the budget has been signed, it is unclear how the vital program will continue, although there is talk of a standalone bill that would revive it.

Knowledge is power. For a deep dive into Wisconsin’s most pressing environmental issues, check out my Defender Podcast at cleanwisconsin.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

The website climate.gov is no more. The site that served as a trusted resource for federal research on climate change has been officially shut down a month after its staff was fired by the Trump Administration. When it was online, climate.gov received hundreds of thousands of visitors every month. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says climate information will be housed elsewhere on its website.

$16 million in state funding could soon be on the way to help farmers improve water quality in rural Wisconsin. The Joint Committee on Finance recently committed the funding for a host of environmentally-minded farm programs after months of work from Clean Wisconsin and its partners. The funding still needs to be passed by the full legislature and signed into law by Governor Evers.

Knowledge is power. For a deep dive into Wisconsin’s most pressing environmental issues, check out my Defender podcast at cleanwisconsin.org or wherever you get your podcasts.