Climate and Energy
We envision a future powered by clean energy, with fair utility rates, clean air, and healthy communities free from fossil fuel dependence.
The Price of Power: A Candidate’s Guide to Energy Affordability
Wisconsin residents are facing a cost-of-living crisis in which utility bills now rank alongside groceries as a top financial burden. See our polling research and guidance on how to talk about cost of living, data centers, utility accountability, and more.
LEARN MOREWho is impacted?
There’s no question – low-income communities and people of color bear the greatest health impacts of climate change. People who live near gas power plants, for example, experience significantly higher hospitalization rates, about 11 to 15 percent higher, for asthma and other respiratory illnesses than those without nearby plants.
As energy demand grows, Wisconsin utility companies are meeting it with fossil fuel power plants instead of clean energy – and using that growth to raise rates. Families pay the price through higher utility bills and increased health risks. Marginalized communities feel these harms first, but reliance on fossil fuels affects us all.
What are the solutions?
Utility companies currently dominate energy production decisions in Wisconsin, but we’re working to change that. We are advocating for legislation that expands large-scale clean energy projects, helps homeowners, renters, and businesses to reduce their overall energy use, and supports cleaner and more accessible transportation options. We can promote the clean energy future we want while protecting ratepayers.
Clean energy is better for our health, the environment, and our pocketbooks. Wisconsin needs laws and a state budget that support renewable energy and prevent new fossil fuel plants.
We are also working to help pass the Data Center Accountability Bill, introduced by conservation champions Sen. Jodi Habush Sinykin and Rep. Angela Stroud. The bill would ensure data centers are built sustainably and transparently so communities are protected.
“I think that we can each do our part to reduce our carbon footprint. Doing so has given me a sense of authorship and hope.”
volunteer. skier. voter.
Jacqui Guthrie, Stevens Point
How to take action
We believe Wisconsin can be powered 100 percent by clean energy – where people can afford their utility bills and live in healthy communities. You can help make that future a reality.
Here are three easy ways to take action:
- Write your legislators to support the bill that would hold tech and utility companies accountable as data centers are being built and stressing our energy grid.
- Volunteer to help our organizing team write postcards, knock on doors, make calls, and more. When you fill out this form, a member of our organizing team will reach out to you.
- Donate to support our fight for clean energy in the state.
“Farmers typically have very tight margins, and having our energy costs reduced through clean energy is important for our livelihood.”
farmer. chef. voter.
Tony Schultz, Stoney Acres Farm
Victories!
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, putting the country on the path to cutting climate pollution 40 percent by 2030. Through the Justice40 initiative, for the first time in our nation’s history, the federal government has made it a goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments will flow to communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution. The IRA will help make that a reality.
Take action
Tell We Energies to take a hike!
We Energies is demanding another 14 percent rate hike. Tell We Energies: Freeze rates and stop funding their corporate greed!
Join the movement
Sign up for our emails to get our latest stories right to your inbox and stay up-to-date on the issues you care about.
Become a member
Every day, Wisconsin Conservation Voters members are standing up to protect our air, land, water, and democracy. Join the movement and help protect Wisconsin.
Volunteer
This is a people powered movement. Fill out this volunteer form, and our organizing team will reach out with opportunities to take action.
Activist toolkit
Want to take action, but aren’t sure where to start? The Activist Toolkit gives you tips and opportunities to take action and develop your skills.