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Tax credits for home solar projects have been around for a while and local leaders in Wisconsin noted new federal policies have been more aggressive in helping governments, businesses and homeowners offset costs of installing panels. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, April 18, 2024

A snapshot of federal investments being put to use in WI

City and county governments are feeling the pinch of rising operating costs but in Wisconsin, federal incentives are driving a range of local …

For renewable energy, Wisconsin has traditionally lagged behind other Midwestern states in such areas as solar development but federal policies are now giving the Badger State a boost to carry out more projects. (Adobe Stock)

WI utilities make union jobs a priority for green projects

With the help of federal aid, Wisconsin is catching up to neighboring states in accelerating clean energy construction projects and the Badger State …

In addition to not having as many EV charging stations as some neighboring states, analysts said Wisconsin lacks fast-charging stations for the public to access. (Adobe Stock)

WI poised to hit fast track in adding EV charging stations

Wisconsin has lagged behind neighboring states in adding electric vehicle charging stations, but the Badger State is about to take a big leap forward …

Latinos account for 47% of agricultural field workers and 46% of construction laborers in the U.S. and face extreme summer heat threats due to climate change. (Adobe Stock)

Report brings to light climate-change impact on Latinos' health, heritage

As climate change makes extreme weather events more common globally, new findings show Latinos often face the most significant effects on their …

Climate experts say transforming schoolyard areas to include more vegetation can help mitigate the heat-island effect often felt in urban areas. (Adobe Stock)

Milwaukee program helps schools ditch playground asphalt for natural settings

Urban heat islands, made worse by climate change, can push up temperatures and bring on more air pollution in larger cities. Now, a Milwaukee project …

The U.S. Department of Energy is revoking $37 million previously awarded to Ohio's six-turbine Icebreaker wind project, which has been in the works since 2009. (Adobe Stock)

Can offshore Great Lakes projects get a second wind?

Offshore wind development in the Great Lakes region has had a turbulent history. Once considered a promising location for such projects, Wisconsin …

Officials with the Aging and Climate Change Clearinghouse contended the baby boomer generation has developed consumption patterns exacerbating climate change. Officials said changing patterns, such as making their homes energy-efficient, can help reduce the climate threats they face. (Adobe Stock)

Research project aims to make climate adaptation age-inclusive

From prolonged droughts to intense rain and snowstorms, the Midwest is not immune to climate change threats. An emerging resource aims to place more …

The nonprofit newsgathering organization Climate Central recently analyzed fall warming trends in 244 U.S. cities. Around 89% have seen October nights warm up since 1970. (Adobe Stock)

Long-term warming brings unwelcome treats for Midwest Halloweens

As Halloween approaches, cooler temperatures will spread over Wisconsin, but weather experts said climate change is making October nights in the …

The Biden administration expects seven new hydrogen hubs to produce 3 million metric tons per year, nearly a third of its 2030 goal. (AA+W/Adobe Stock)

Environmental groups advise caution on 'hydrogen hub' initiative

Wisconsin is going to be a part of two new "hydrogen hubs" backers say will generate clean fuel but some environmental groups say it is a mixed bag…

As more traditional automakers bring electric vehicles to the market, industry analysts say it's going to be a learning curve for dealerships with little EV sales experience to become effective in marketing them to customers. (Adobe Stock)

Electric Vehicle Sales: Fact vs. Fiction in WI

The auto industry has been dealing with challenges lately, such as higher interest rates, but analysts said there are nuances, and they stressed …

Environmental experts said people living in places like the Midwest were caught off-guard this summer by smoky air from Canadian wildfires, because past policy efforts have improved overall air quality in the U.S. (Adobe Stock)

Smoky Summer: Tips for WI Residents, Now and in Future

Air quality alerts have resurfaced in Wisconsin, with some areas experiencing the smoky air from Canadian wildfires. Health and environmental …

One of the tax credits offered under the Inflation Reduction Act is a home energy audit, where property owners can find out if their home is wasting energy. (Adobe Stock)

With Emerging Incentives, Clean Energy No Longer a VIP Club

Clean-energy products, such as electric vehicles or home heat pump systems, might seem out of reach for a lot of people. But with federal incentives …

Utilities behind the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center in Wisconsin hope to be in operation by 2027. (Rendering courtesy of Minnesota Power)

Following Energy Trends, WI Regulators Urged to Reconsider Gas Plant

Wisconsin regulators are being asked to take another look at previously approved plans for a proposed natural gas plant. An environmental group …

In its first five years, Wisconsin's Solar for Good program has paved the way for installation of 7.6 megawatts of solar power, enough to power 1,500 households. (Adobe Stock)

Solar for Good: Arrays Keep Rolling Out in WI

By Kari Lydersenfor Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pu…

In a 2022 national survey of teachers, 74% said climate change will have an enormous impact on students' futures, and it would be irresponsible not to address the matter in schools. (Adobe Stock)

Closing the Generational Gap on Climate-Change Education

A new report warns that the window is quickly closing to prevent the most harmful effects of climate change. As global leaders face pressure to act…

Like many sectors, agriculture is under pressure to reduce emissions that contribute to climate change. But policies like the Inflation Reduction Act are providing extra funding, so more farmers can tap into programs that help improve soil health and water quality. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Program Constraints, 'Climate-Smart' Farming Gets Extra Aid

Farmers looking to enhance their range of climate-friendly practices are getting a boost with new federal funding. Wisconsin producers face a tight …

Highways are hot spots for soot, fine particulate matter that has major effects on people's health. (Adobe Stock)

EPA Faces Mixed Response Over Tighter Standards for Soot

The federal government is gathering public feedback on proposed revisions to air-quality standards for soot, and environmental voices in Wisconsin …

No-till farming is considered one of several conservation practices in agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

New WI Report Provides Snapshot of Sustainable Farming Efforts

Greenhouse gas emissions have been potentially reduced by 50,000 tons in the state, with the help of Wisconsin farmers supported by a statewide …

Latino workers are getting training in green-energy job skills through a pilot program, but some face roadblocks trying to balance a new career path with maintaining two or three other jobs to support themselves. (Adobe Stock)

Program Works to Bring 'Green' Construction Jobs to Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Latino community has been inundated with job opportunities in the "green" economy thanks to a new pilot program. Elevate, a climate-…

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wisconsin had 64,400 farms in 2020, down 500 from 2019. (Adobe Stock)

Help is Available for WI Farmers Facing Mental-Health Challenges

From inflation to climate change, Wisconsin farmers face numerous sources of stress that can't help but affect their health. And one program is …

According to city documents, Madison's new electric bus fleet will cost about $70 million. In its 2022 budget, the city set aside roughly $26 million in local funding for the project. (Jonah Chester)

WI Communities Prepare to Receive Federal Infrastructure Funding

Six months ago this week, President Joe Biden signed the bipartisan infrastructure law, and Wisconsin's towns and cities are planning how best to …

The planned reroute of Line 5 around the Bad River reservation will cost Enbridge, Inc. about $450 million, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. (Adobe Stock)

WI Tribal Advocates: Pipeline Threatens Agricultural Traditions

Enbridge is seeking to reroute a portion of its Line 5 around the Bad River Band's territory in northern Wisconsin. The rerouting falls within the …

The Office of Environmental Justice was one of dozens of recommendations made by the Governor's Task Force on Climate Change, a group Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers established in 2019. (Adobe Stock)

Evers Touts New WI Office of Environmental Justice

Wisconsin has a new Office of Environmental Justice, which is tasked with centering equity and fairness as the state proceeds with a new clean-energy …

The Biden administration has set a goal of achieving a fifty percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

Elected Officials to Feds: Accelerate Clean Energy Transition

As folks across America celebrate Earth Day, nearly 500 lawmakers have signed a petition calling on the President and Congress to develop a Climate …

Enbridge says its Line 5 pipeline currently transports more than a half-million barrels of oil daily. (Adobe Stock)

Line 5 Drilling Method Raises Environmental Concerns

Enbridge's plan to relocate a portion of its Line 5 pipeline in northern Wisconsin could involve a drilling method even the company admits will like…

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Line 5 rerouting was issued in December. (Adobe Stock)

Public Weighs In on Reroute of Controversial Line 5 Project

On Wednesday night, Wisconsinites had a chance to weigh in on Enbridge's controversial Line 5 project, which skirts around tribal territories in the …

Wisconsin's natural landscape is a key tourism draw, but local leaders demanding climate action say changing weather patterns could alter outdoor recreation. (Adobe Stock)

Local Leader: Climate Change Threatens Daily Life in WI

WESTON, Wis. -- In Washington, D.C. and on the other side of the globe, key talks continue surrounding climate-change solutions, and at the local …

An industry group says solar and clean-energy projects have invested $2 billion into Wisconsin's economy. (Adobe Stock)

WI Takes Big Leap in Clean-Energy Pursuit

MILWAUKEE - The clean-energy industry has welcomed its newest member to the "Gigawatt Club." Wisconsin's recognition for advancing such projects comes…

Companies behind a proposed natural-gas plant for Wisconsin hope to break ground by 2025. (Adobe Stock)

Economics of WI Gas Plant Proposal Questioned

SUPERIOR, Wis. -- Legal proceedings continue involving a proposed natural-gas plant for northwestern Wisconsin. The plans have been approved by state …

According to the White House and various trade groups, Wisconsin had roughly 75,000 clean-energy jobs before the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

WI Lawmaker: Biden Climate Plans Help Ag, Clean-Job Training

STEVENS POINT, Wis. -- A number of elected leaders in Wisconsin have publicly supported the latest climate plans from the Biden administration…

In recent years, Wisconsin has established a goal, through executive action by Gov. Tony Evers, to be carbon free by 2050. (Adobe Stock)

WI Officials See Opportunities Under Biden Climate Plans

WESTON, Wis. -- On the heels of last week's global climate summit, elected officials in Wisconsin are looking to see how a changing federal tone can …

About 9% of the population globally is food insecure. (tong2530/Adobe Stock)

Beyond Air Quality, Global Food Supply Could Benefit from Climate Pact

MADISON, Wis. -- The United States recently rejoined the Paris climate agreement, a move that followed the Biden administration's immediate pledges …

"Silvopasture" Movement Reaches WI Farms

MADISON, Wis. -- As brutal cold grips the upper Midwest, some farm animals are getting protection from the wind in forested settings. They're being …

Demands for action on climate change are no longer being led only by environmental groups. Medical associations are speaking out on factors like worsening air quality and its effects on human health. (Adobe Stock)

WI Doctors Encouraged by Biden's Environmental Moves

MADISON, Wis. -- President Joe Biden is taking more action this week to reverse the environmental rollbacks of the Trump administration. Some in the …

Supporters of Wisconsin's Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program say it protects hundreds of river miles for hunting, fishing, wildlife watching and other types of recreation. (Adobe Stock)

Calls Amplify for WI to Renew Outdoors Stewardship Funding

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. -- Wisconsin residents have shown a renewed interest in outdoor activities during the pandemic, but conservation groups and …

A new Wisconsin report says increases in precipitation and temperatures are likely to drive more extreme weather events, such as floods and heatwaves. (Adobe Stock)

Flood Concerns at Center of WI Climate Report

MADISON, Wis. -- Reducing the threat of historic floods in Wisconsin is being touted as a key benefit of this month's report from the Governor's Task …

Extreme weather events have resulted in more flooded fields for Wisconsin farmers in recent years. (Adobe Stock)

Ag, Conservation Groups Step Up Drive to Tackle Climate Change

MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsin is among the states where a number of farmers have adopted conservation practices - to help tackle climate change issues …

State Rep. Greta Neubauer, D-Racine, is part of Elected Officials to Protect America, a national group calling for an urgent, nonpartisan approach to addressing climate change. (Photo courtesy of Rep. Neubauer)

WI Lawmaker Joins Nonpartisan Push for Climate-Change Action

RACINE, Wis. -- A Wisconsin lawmaker is part of a network of state and local elected officials calling for serious action on climate change, right …

University of Wisconsin researchers say replacing coal with solar power could save more than 50,000 American lives annually because of better air quality. (Adobe Stock)

WI Medical Professionals: Climate Change Affects Human Health

MADISON, Wis. -- More than 4,000 medical professionals from across the country are demanding policy action on climate change. The coalition includes …

Supporters of conservation practices, such as cover crops, are hoping to convince more farmers to incorporate them into their operations as market challenges persist. (Adobe Stock)

Conservation Touted as WI Farmers Push Through Tough Times

FOND DU LAC, Wis. -- Wisconsin farmers aren't immune to changing weather patterns affecting the Midwest. That's why those who are adopting …

Some scientists predict that the Midwest will be nearly 10 degrees warmer by the middle or end of this century, a shift that could have devastating impacts on farmers. (Adobe Stock)

Movement Grows for More Federal Action on Climate Change

EAST TROY, Wis. -- Several farm organizations have launched a grassroots movement in hopes of seeing federal action on climate change -- and they're …

Severe thunderstorms accompanied by tornadoes, hail and damaging winds cause an average of $5.4 billion in damage each year across the United States, according to a new study in the Journal of Climate and Atmospheric Science. (Skeeze/Pixabay)

Is Climate Change Causing Tornado Alley to Shift East?

MADISON, Wis. — A new study shows Tornado Alley is on the move, with an increase in tornado activity moving eastward and impacting areas more …

The 2015 Clean Power Plan, calling for the first ever national standards, was projected to cut carbon emissions to 19 percent below 2005 levels by 2030.(Pixabay)

Critics Say Trump Coal Rules Step Backward for Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. – The public can now comment on the Trump administration's proposal to replace the Clean Power Plan, an Obama-era rule aimed at …

The National Science Foundation is funding a study, CHEESEHEAD19, which stands for Chequamegon Heterogeneous Ecosystem Energy-balance Study Enabled by a High-density Extensive Array of Detectors, 2019. (Pixabay)

Northern Wisconsin Study Could Provide More Accurate Weather Forecasting

MADISON, Wis. – Researchers next summer will take to the plains of northern Wisconsin for a study that suits what the state is known for…

Environmental advocates are concerned that haze from air pollution could grow worse if protections are reduced. They're also convinced that science needs to play a role in making policy changes. (Pixabay)

EPA Expected to Stay the Course with Transparency Rule

MADISON, Wis. — The departure of Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt comes as the agency is trying to implement a controversial …

Many of the EPA regulations that Scott Pruitt scrapped or delayed as EPA administrator had not yet taken effect before his resignation. (Wikimedia Commons)

Government Watchdog Groups: Pruitt's EPA Exit "Long Overdue"

WASHINGTON – After allegedly overspending on everything from pens to lavish trips and accepting questionable deals from lobbyists, government …

More than half of Wisconsin's top commodities depend on corn. (Pixabay)

New Research Shows Large Impacts on Crops from Climate Change

MILWAUKEE – While warmer average temperatures can have a dramatic impact on colder climates globally, new research shows how much it can affect …

Cover crops are grown for several benefits ranging from protecting and enhancing soil to pest suppression, but a study finds they also can be an income source for carbon credits. (Michael Fields Agricultural Institute)

Study: Cover Crops Could Mean Carbon Credits

MADISON, Wis. — Cover crops have been around about as long as farming. Among other benefits, cover crops are good for the soil and create a …

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WI: Climate Change