News Summary
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has approved two major clean energy projects, the Badger Hollow Wind Energy Center and the Whitewater Solar farm. This marks Wisconsin’s first utility-scale wind energy initiative since 2011, reinforcing the state’s commitment to renewable energy. Clean Wisconsin advocates have emphasized the benefits of these projects for local communities and the environment, contributing to improved water quality and regional economies. Federal support and emerging electric vehicle initiatives further enhance the state’s clean energy landscape.
Wisconsin Approves New Wind and Solar Farms, Boosting Clean Energy Efforts
The Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin has approved two significant clean energy projects: the Badger Hollow Wind Energy Center, a 118 megawatt (MW) wind farm located in Iowa and Grant Counties, and the Whitewater Solar farm, a 180 MW project straddling the borders of Walworth and Jefferson Counties. These approvals mark Wisconsin’s first venture into utility-scale wind energy since 2011, representing a pivotal step in the state’s commitment to expanding renewable energy sources.
Clean Wisconsin, an environmental advocacy group, played a crucial role by emphasizing the environmental advantages of wind energy and fostering engagement with local communities. Their intervention highlighted not only the immediate benefits of wind energy but also the long-term potential for the community and regional economy.
The Whitewater Solar project, in tandem with the wind farm, is expected to enhance local water quality through the reduction of chemical runoff primarily associated with agriculture, as noted in a recent report by Clean Wisconsin. These initiatives are viewed as a triumph for clean energy advocates, local farmers, and Wisconsin communities, aligning with broader national trends aimed at increasing investment in sustainable energy.
Federal Support for Clean Energy
Support from the federal government under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has also played a substantial role in fostering Wisconsin’s clean energy landscape. President Joe Biden visited Milwaukee to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the IRA and to promote his economic policy, often referred to as “Bidenomics.” Since Biden took office, the administration has reportedly attracted $920 million in private investment ready to boost Wisconsin’s clean energy sector.
An estimated 90,000 Wisconsinites are in the process of installing solar panels, benefiting from tax credits provided by the IRA. This act not only gives significant incentives to American businesses to manufacture components for solar panels and other clean energy products but also aims to create a robust solar market in Wisconsin.
Emerging Electric Vehicle Initiatives
In addition to the wind and solar projects, Wisconsin is also progressing on the development of an electric vehicle (EV) charging corridor, supported by $78 million sourced from the bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to advance clean transportation options throughout the state.
Wildlife Protection Measures
In an effort to balance the growth of renewable energy with wildlife conservation, Wisconsin’s environmental regulators are considering permit changes aimed at protecting cave bats, which are experiencing sharp population declines due to factors such as white-nose syndrome. Proposed changes would require wind developers to implement measures like limiting turbine speeds in vulnerable areas from April 1 to October 31, with an aim to reduce bat fatalities by as much as 50%.
Currently, Wisconsin has 480 wind turbines providing a total capacity of 828 megawatts. The state is targeting a 21 gigawatts capacity of wind energy to meet future energy demands while striving towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Reports from Clean Wisconsin suggest that fossil fuel plants pose a significantly greater risk to wildlife compared to wind energy, reinforcing the importance of transitioning to renewable sources.
Public input is being sought on the proposed conservation measures, with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) accepting comments until January 2, 2025. As Wisconsin embarks on its renewable energy journey, these developments underscore the importance of community involvement, environmental responsibility, and federal support in advancing the state’s clean energy horizon.
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Additional Resources
- Urban Milwaukee: PSC Approves New Wind Farm
- WUWMT: Little Wind Turbine in Milwaukee
- JSONline: Opinion on Energy Independence
- Recharge News: NASA Battery Tech Trials
- Wikipedia: Renewable Energy in the U.S.
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
