News - Wisconsin Environment

Most Recent News

Statement of Dan Kohler, Director, Wisconsin Environment, on Potential of Wind Energy to Meet America’s Energy Needs 5/12/2008

“Today the Bush administration’s Department of Energy has released a report showing it is technically feasible to meet 20% of America’s electricity needs with wind power by 2030. According to the American Wind Energy Association, achieving 20% wind by 2030 would reduce global warming pollution by 825 million metric tons of CO2 in 2030 alone, the equivalent of taking 140 million cars off the road.

Badger Poll Finds Strong Support for Environmental Protections and Clean Energy 5/02/2008

The results from the most recent Badger Poll survey of environmental opinions in Wisconsin confirms what we all know: Wisconsinites cherish our natural environment and want strong protections for our air, land and water.

Where’s the Leadership to Solve Global Warming? 2/27/2008

(Madison) – Late yesterday, the Assembly blocked discussion of the Wisconsin Safe Climate Act (Assembly Bill 157), which would cap global warming emissions and promote clean, homegrown energy like wind and solar power, and increase energy efficiency measures.

Most Recent Reports

A Blueprint for Action: Policy Options to Reduce Wisconsin's Contribution to Global Warming 1/24/2008

Global warming poses a serious threat to Wisconsin’s future wellbeing and prosperity. To do its part to avoid the worst impacts of global warming, Wisconsin needs to reduce its global warming pollution 20 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050, setting an example for the rest of the nation to follow.

Driving Towards a New Energy Future 11/19/2007

Legislation to increase Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for cars and trucks was included in the Senate energy bill (H.R. 6) that was passed in June of this year, marking the first time in over thirty years that either House of Congress has passed an increase in CAFE standards.

America's Clean Energy Stars: State Actions Leading America to a New Energy Future 11/14/2007

States are leading the way toward a new energy future that is healthier for the environment and America’s economy. Over the past decade, states have enacted a variety of policies to encourage more efficient use of energy, increase the use of clean renewable energy, and reduce the environmental impact of energy use. This report highlights state action in five areas of clean energy policy and the benefits of those actions. We give special recognition to a number of states that are providing clean energy leadership for America.

Our Issues in the News

Environment gets high marks in Badger Poll 5/02/2008

A majority of Wisconsinites give the state's natural environment high marks, but want more done to protect our air and water as well as requiring power companies to produce more electricity through renewable sources.

A benefit to environment, economy 3/31/2008

When it comes to how we generate our energy in Wisconsin, we are truly at a crossroads. For too long, we’ve relied on dirty, dangerous sources of energy – namely, coal and oil - that have polluted our skies, threatened public health, spewed mercury into our lakes and contributed to global warming.

A greener future: Builders see demand for homes based on sustainability 2/10/2008

The majority of homes and buildings in Wisconsin get energy today from the same sources — mostly nonrenewable natural gas and electricity from coal, considered a major polluter. But the energy landscape is changing.