Victories!
Your support, your action, your love for Wisconsin has fueled victories for our air, land, water, and health. Together, we can keep the momentum strong, and win even greater victories for the state we love. Check out a selection of victories below.
Statewide Victories
Examples of victories at the State Capitol that affect the entire state like legislation and budget wins.
Local Victories
Examples of successful local victories like pro-conservation ordinances and direct local action.
Electoral Victories
Big wins at the polls lead to policy victories to protect our environment. Examples of recent election day successes.
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2024
Statewide
2024
Fair maps!
On Feb. 19, Gov. Tony Evers signed into law new legislative district maps. The new maps will help rectify more than a decade of GOP-gerrymandering for many Wisconsin communities.
2023
Local
2023
The Clean Energy Green Bay Plan
The Green Bay Common Council voted 9-to-2 in favor of adopting the Clean Energy Green Bay Plan, moving the city towards a clean energy future!
Statewide
2023
$125 million for fighting PFAS
In May, the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) voted to allocate $125 million to a trust fund for PFAS, the harmful human-made chemicals that have been found in over 70 Wisconsin communities.
Electoral
2023
The 2023 Spring Election
The April 2023 election was a major victory for voters in Wisconsin.
Electoral
2023
The election of Justice Janet Protasiewicz
Wisconsin Conservation Voters’ endorsed candidate Judge Janet Protasiewicz was elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The victory followed Wisconsin Conservation Voters IEC’s record breaking spring election program.
2022
Electoral
2022
Re-electing Governor Tony Evers
We re-elected Gov. Tony Evers and protected his governor's veto in the legislature. The ramifications of this victory are enormous.
Electoral
2022
Re-electing Attorney General Josh Kaul
Attorney General Josh Kaul will help keep Wisconsin from veering onto a dangerous path of increased voter disenfranchisement.
Electoral
2022
Electing conservation champions across the ballot
Wisconsin Conservation Voters won all but one of our priority races. In almost every place where we knocked on doors, ran an ambitious mail and digital ad program, sent texts to voters, and engaged voters in their communities, we won!
Statewide
2022
Wisconsin adopts first-ever statewide PFAS protections
For the first time ever, Wisconsin will have PFAS-specific water standards to protect the health of Wisconsinites.
Statewide
2022
Gov. Evers makes historic announcement establishing the Office of Environmental Justice
Gov. Tony Evers announced the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice, a state office that will work with and support communities that have been historically disenfranchised in the fight against climate change.
Statewide
2022
Gov. Evers releases the Clean Energy Plan
Gov. Tony Evers’ Clean Energy Plan constitutes the strongest roadmap to climate justice and clean energy in Wisconsin history.
Electoral
2022
Over 70 candidates edorsed by Wisconsin Conservation Voters win their race in the 2022 spring election.
On April 5, over 70 Wisconsin Conservation Voters endorsed candidates won their elections. Wisconsin Conservation Voters invested heavily in local races – and emerged with the highest local win rate to date.
Electoral
2022
All six Wisconsin Conservation Voters endorsed candidates win February 15 local primary election.
All six Wisconsin Conservation Voters endorsed candidates will advance to the general election. This critical primary will bring conservation champions to the ballot come April.
Local
2022
Expanded early voting hours in Green Bay
After years working shoulder-to-shoulder with students, labor members, disability advocates, Wisconsin Conservation Voters members, and many others, we were able to expand early voting in the City of Green Bay.
Statewide
2022
The Inflation Reduction Act
From its beginnings as Build Back Better to its final passage as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the U.S. passed the largest investment in climate action ever.
2021
Local
2021
Lawrence University student government passes commitment to 100 percent clean energy by 2035
Lawrence University's SGA passed a resolution committing to eliminate carbon emissions and become net zero by 2035.
Local
2021
Town of Peshtigo passes resolution in favor of CLEAR Act
The town of Peshtigo passed a resolution in favor of passing the CLEAR Act at the state level and called on Sen. Eric Wimberger and Rep. Elijah Behnke to become co-sponsors of the bill.
Local
2021
De Pere passes clean energy resolution
De Pere made a commitment to achieving 100 percent clean energy and to create a climate action plan to establish target dates.
Electoral
2021
Emily Siegrist wins election to Village of Brown Deer Board
Emily Siegrist won decisively against two incumbents in the election to the Village Board of Brown Deer.
Electoral
2021
La Crosse elects pro-conservation mayor Mitch Reynolds and pro-conservation council members
Mitch Reynolds election win as a pro-conservation mayor will enable the city to move on implementing its clean energy commitments and address a new PFAS contamination site.
Electoral
2021
Jonathon Hansen wins reelection to De Pere Common Council
Former Senate District 30 candidate Jonathon Hansen easily won his re-election despite a well-organized attempt to defeat him.
Electoral
2021
Conservation champion and PFAS activist wins Board Chair in town of Peshtigo
Cindy Boyle's election to Board Chair in the town of Peshtigo flips the town board to a pro-conservation and female majority, and positions them to take local action on PFAS to the full extent of the law.
Local
2021
Brown County passes clean energy resolution
Brown County passed a clean energy resolution with a commitment to achieving 100 percent clean energy and created an energy subcommittee to write a work plan to reach the goal.
2020
Electoral
2020
2020 General Election – the governor's veto protected and local races won
In the 2020 General Election, conservation voters protected Gov. Tony Evers' veto in the assembly and senate, and won a majority of their endorsed races.
Statewide
2020
Attorney General Josh Kaul withdraws damaging opinion on high capacity wells
In May, Wisconsin Attorney general Josh Kaul withdrew an opinion of former Attorney General Brad Schimel that denied the Department of Natural Resources power to put conditions on high capacity well applications.
Local
2020
Milwaukee School District referendum passes
Wisconsin Conservation Voters joined the “Say Yes to MPS” campaign that urged passage of Milwaukee Public School’s referendum – its first in more than two decades.
Local
2020
Menomonie passes clean energy resolution
The Menomonie City Council passed a resolution to join state, county, and local agencies to ensure all electricity in the state is carbon-free by 2050.
Electoral
2020
Judge Jill Karofsky wins a seat on the Wisconsin State Supreme Court
The standout victory in the Spring Election and Presidential Primary came when now Justice-elect Jill Karofsky upset incumbent Dan Kelly by double digits.
Electoral
2020
Big wins in the Spring Election and Presidential Primary
Endorsed candidates won 37 of 46 local races from Brown and Marinette to Lafayette and Eau Claire, the city and school board of Green Bay, Lafayette and Eau Claire Counties, and more!
Local
2020
Green Bay expands early voting hours
After continued public pressure, meetings with UWGB student leaders and other voting rights groups, the city expanded voting hours at their downtown clerk's office for the 2020 February Primary.
Statewide
2020
Clean energy advocates release the Wisconsin Clean Energy Toolkit
In March, along with RENEW Wisconsin and Sierra Club of Wisconsin, we launched the Wisconsin Clean Energy Toolkit, a comprehensive guide for local communities on how to embrace clean energy goals and policy.
Local
2020
St. Norbert’s College passes clean energy resolution
St. Norbert College made the commitment to reach 100 percent clean energy and carbon neutrality by the year 2050.
Local
2020
Green Bay Area Public School District Board passes clean energy resolution
Wisconsin Conservation Voters worked hand-in-hand with the school board, GBAPSD administration, and the community to write a 100 percent clean energy resolution. It would become the most comprehensive clean energy resolution for a school district in the state.
2019
Statewide
2019
Attorney General Josh Kaul joins lawsuit challenging rollback of Endangered Species Act regulations
Attorney General Josh Kaul is joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general and the City of New York in a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s rollback of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Statewide
2019
Gov. Evers creates the Governor’s Task Force on Climate Change
The task force will advise and assist the governor in developing a strategy to reduce climate emissions and adapt to the effects of climate change. It will work closely with the Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy.
Statewide
2019
Gov. Evers issues an executive order to address PFAS
Gov. Evers issued an order to address PFAS, a group of chemicals that are extremely dangerous to human health.
Statewide
2019
Attorney General Josh Kaul joins lawsuit against Trump’s "Dirty Power Rule"
Attorney General Kaul, with a coalition of 22 states and seven local governments, filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over its “ACE” – aka “Dirty Power” – rule.
Statewide
2019
Gov. Evers creates an Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy
Gov. Evers created an Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy to achieve 100 percent carbon-free electricity in Wisconsin by 2050.
Statewide
2019
Gov. Evers issues an executive order addressing lead exposure in drinking water
Gov. Evers issued an executive order addressing lead exposure in drinking water, creating a new position to coordinate the state’s efforts to address the lead crisis.
Local
2019
The Brown County Board passes a resolution supporting the Knowles Nelson Stewardship Program
Acknowledging its importance in creating and maintaining many county projects over the years, the Brown County Board passed a resolution supporting the renewal of the popular lands program for 10 years and at proper funding.
Local
2019
Eau Claire County Board passes goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2050
Eau Claire County followed the lead of the City of Eau Claire by passing a resolution to set a goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2050, becoming the second county in the state to do so.
Local
2019
UW-Stout Student Senate passes resolution supporting clean energy on the city level
The UW-Stout Student Senate passed a resolution urging the Menomonie City Council to set a goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.
Statewide
2019
Gov. Tony Evers proclaims 2019 the "Year of Clean Drinking Water"
Shortly after his election, Gov. Tony Evers made good on his pre-election pledge to address drinking water pollution in Wisconsin. In his first State of the State Address, he proclaimed 2019 the “Year of Clean Drinking Water.”
2018
Electoral
2018
The fall elections – Tony Evers is elected governor!
Tony Evers wins the governorship after nearly a decade of destructive policies and agenda from the Walker administration. All statewide offices are also filled by pro-conservation candidates including lieutenant governor, attorney general, and state treasurer.
Electoral
2018
Conservation voters elect Josh Kaul to Attorney General's office
Endorsed candidate for Attorney General, Josh Kaul, beat incumbent Brad Schimel in a sweep of statewide offices including Gov. Tony Evers, Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski, and Secretary of State Doug La Follette.
Electoral
2018
Conservation voters elect Sarah Godlewski to State Treasurer's office
Sarah Godlewski won the State Treasurer's office in a sweep of statewide offices by pro-conservation candidates including Gov. Tony Evers, Attorney General Josh Kaul, and Secretary of State Doug La Follette.
Local
2018
Eau Claire County passes temporary moratorium on CAFOs
The Eau Claire County Board passed a six-month moratorium on concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), prohibiting any new permits or expansions of current permit.
Local
2018
The Eau Claire City Council commits to 100 percent renewable energy
The city of Eau Claire became the first municipality in Wisconsin to approve a sustainability plan that commits to being carbon-free by 2050.
Statewide
2018
The Leading on Lead Bill (AB 78/SB 48)
Conservation voters helped pass the Leading on Lead bill (AB 78 / SB 48) (2018), an important step in fighting lead pollution in drinking water.
Statewide
2018
Fighting manure pollution (NR 151)
Conservation voters helped pass important manure spreading rules to help fight manure pollution.
Electoral
2018
Flipping an anti-conservation legislative seat
In a big win for conservation, our team worked to push endorsed candidate Patty Schachtner to victory in a January special election in western Wisconsin’s 10th Senate District.
Local
2018
Eau Claire County Board passes clean water ordinance
In 2018, the Eau Claire County Board passed a six-month moratorium on new and modified CAFO permits and created a diverse study committee of stakeholders,
Local
2018
Establishing a Sustainability Commission in Green Bay
Our field staff, led by Field Director Seth Hoffmeister, helped form a Sustainability Commission in Green Bay. The commission brings together a diverse cross section of the city to work toward sustainable solutions.
2017
Statewide
2017
The Well Compensation Bill (AB 226/SB 168)
AB 226 and SB 168 make it easier for more households to replace the costs of their contaminated wells or failing septic systems.
2015
Statewide
2015
Saving a strong Natural Resources Board
Wisconsin has always been a leader in conservation, in large part because Aldo Leopold created the Natural Resources Board to be the citizens’ voice for our natural resources.
Statewide
2015
Prohibiting pollution from plastics (SB 15)
Conservation voters showed their strength in support of this bill that phased out production of plastic microbeads, protecting the Great Lakes.
Statewide
2015
Increased funding for county conservationists
County conservationists are the local boots on the ground working to reduce polluted runoff and providing critical testing and monitoring that keep our land and water clean.
Statewide
2015
Preserving farmland and protecting shoreland
Shoreland zoning was created to protect water quality. A 2013 court case created confusion about whether other town ordinances – such as farmland zoning ordinances – could apply in areas where county shoreland zoning is in effect.
Statewide
2015
Defeating water privatization (AB 554)
Conservation voters helped kill a bill that would have privatized our most precious resource.
Statewide
2015
Chippewa County passes resolution to study frac sand mining impacts
Conservation voters in Chippewa County took immediate action, sending 340 messages to County Board members in just four days.
Statewide
2015
Expanding the distribution of wild game for neighbors in need
Wisconsin’s sportsmen help to feed needy families by donating venison through the Venison Donation Program.
Statewide
2015
Prohibiting pollution from plastics
When a bill was proposed to keep microbeads out of the Great Lakes by phasing out their production over the next few years, Wisconsin Conservation Voters immediately encouraged support among decision makers and engaged and activated citizens across the state.
2014
Statewide
2014
Expanding the Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System (SB 596)
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages the Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System on behalf of all citizens.
Statewide
2014
Protecting County Conservationists
County Conservationists are the local boots on the ground working to reduce polluted runoff and providing critical testing and monitoring that keep our land and water clean.
Statewide
2014
Saving the citizen-led Department of Natural Resources Board
Wisconsin has always been a leader in conservation, in large part because Aldo Leopold created the Natural Resources Board to be the citizens’ voice for our natural resources.
2013
Statewide
2013
Designating the Rock River Trail Scenic and Historic Route (SB 41)
In 2013, a bipartisan group of 31 legislators introduced a bill that would designate the Rock River Trail Scenic and Historic Route, a water trail for boaters and paddlers with future plans to establish hiking and biking trails along the river.
Statewide
2013
Protecting our waters with a watershed approach (SB 190)
Instead of managing water quality by considering one polluting source at a time, this law allows Wisconsin to consider the cumulative effect on an entire watershed.
Statewide
2013
Conservation voters protect the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program
The Stewardship Program protects vital lands and waters in Wisconsin, providing us with places to hunt, hike, fish, bike, and canoe.
Statewide
2013
Legitimate sporting organizations thwart shady United Sportsmen
Wisconsin Conservation Voters and other sporting organizations pushed back when United Sportsmen was found to not be a nonprofit, was run by a man who had been cited for hunting with the wrong license, and lied to a warden.
Statewide
2013
Defeating frac sand mining along the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway
When the Pattison Sand Company, an out-of-state mining company with a history of environmental violations, pursued a permit to mine for frac sand along the banks of the Lower Wisconsin Scenic Riverway, Wisconsin Conservation Voters sprang into action.
Statewide
2013
Conservation voters save County Conservation funding
The staff of Soil and Water Conservation Departments help implement critical programs that prevent manure, fertilizer, sediment, and other chemicals from entering our waterways.
Statewide
2013
Provided drinking water funding for joint local water authorities
This law allows municipalities that have formed a joint local water authority to be eligible for funding for clean water improvements and to participate in the safe drinking water loan program.
2012
Statewide
2012
State Senate strikes down the Open-Pit Mining Bill
Opposing the Open-Pit Mining Bill (AB 426, 2012) was the largest, most aggressive campaign ever mounted by Wisconsin Conservation Voters (then Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters) at that time.
2009
Statewide
2009
Legislature sets limits on phosphorus that pollutes lakes and increases algae blooms
Phosphorus in lawn fertilizers and in cleaning products leads to increased pollution and algae in our lakes. In 2009, two bills were signed into law that will help prevent stinky, green lakes.
2008
Statewide
2008
Enacting a strong Great Lakes Compact
Passage of the historic and complicated Great Lakes Compact was the result of the support of more than 7,000 citizen comments, 40 local elected officials, and 50 organizations in support of the bill mobilized by Wisconsin Conservation Voters.
2007
Statewide
2007
Citizen activism prevents out-of-state waste
Statewide citizen activism led to a big win in the fight against garbage pouring into Wisconsin from neighboring states.
Statewide
2007
Legislature reauthorizes the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund
More than 475,000 acres of the most ecologically important land in Wisconsin is protected due to the Stewardship Fund, Wisconsin’s innovative land protection program.
Statewide
2007
Establishing the Renewable Energy Grants and Loans Program
In 2007, the Renewable Energy Grants and Loans Program was established to help Wisconsin get a foothold in the new clean energy economy.
2006
Statewide
2006
Clean Energy Bill signed into law
With more than 90 percent of Wisconsin’s energy coming from dirty coal power plants or dangerous and expensive nuclear plants, it was high time to make a commitment to clean energy.