Clean Economy Coalition of Wisconsin

The IRA isn't just about clean energy; it's a major economic driver in Wisconsin. Founder of NorthWind Solar Service Department, Josh Stolzenburg, shares his perspective on how funding for solar tax credits and incentives has majorly benefitted employees and businesses across the state. However, he discusses how this funding is at risk due to pressure at the federal level to stop funding for clean energy and solar initiatives that create jobs for Wisconsin communities. Read more below.

The EPA is planning more than two dozen rollbacks of environmental regulations that may affect efforts to limit pollution in Wisconsin from fossil fuel plants, vehicles and neighboring states. Amy Barrilleaux of CECW partner organization Clean Wisconsin noted the EPA’s mission is to protect public health and the environment, not reduce costs.

As We Energies proposes building a natural gas power plant in Oak Creek, a new analysis finds the plant would raise energy bills for Wisconsin households. CECW partner organization RMI created a report examining the projected energy cost impacts of the Oak Creek power plant—both the remaining costs of the retiring coal plant and the anticipated costs of the proposed gas plant.

We Energies is currently seeking approval for a new gas plant—even as environmental advocates warn against the environmental costs of using natural gas. A new report by Energy Innovation found that as Wisconsin seeks to power new data centers, using a range of renewables, along with low-risk supplemental sources, aids grid reliability.

Due to the administration's plans to cut federal funding for clean energy programs, the future of Solar for All, a program designed to bring solar energy to more low-income neighborhoods in Wisconsin, is uncertain. CECW partner organizations Walnut Way Conservation Corp and Elevate noted that a program freeze would have detrimental impacts on the solar energy movement in the state.

The current administration plans to fast-track a variety of energy projects throughout the country, including the Enbridge Line 5 tunnel and the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center in Superior, WI. CECW partner organization Clean Wisconsin highlighted the harmful climate and pollution impacts the projects would have in Wisconsin, including producing nearly 3 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year.

As We Energies continues pushing plans to build new natural gas plants in Wisconsin, advocates are concerned about the environmental and financial impacts of investing in natural gas. John Imes of CECW partner organization WEI: Wisconsin Environmental Initiative wrote an op-ed featured in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel outlining how these plans will increase energy rates for everyday Wisconsinites.

The Clean Economy Coalition of Wisconsin applauds Governor Evers' leadership in advancing a number of critical clean energy and climate priorities in his 2025 state budget, which includes numerous provisions that expand access to clean energy technologies across the state. Read our full statement below: https://lnkd.in/gndPvdjB

As the Town of Paris discusses the possibility of building a large data center, there has been debate over whether to build more natural gas power plants to run the center. Clean energy advocates, including CECW partner organization Sierra Club, noted using fossil fuels to power computers could lead more greenhouse gases that could affect Wisconsin’s climate.

Community members and activists, including members of CECW partner organization Healthy Climate Wisconsin, gathered outside the Public Service Commission (PSC) hearing last week to protest a proposed $300 million gas plant in the town of Paris. The project could have harmful health effects on nearby residents due to air pollution.