Environmental Protection Agency

Milwaukee Wins $275 Million Grant To Fund Massive Waterway Cleanup

Generational effort will see Milwaukee waterways lose their "area of concern" designation.

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Largest Ever Clean-up under EPA’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to Address Milwaukee Area of Concern

Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, new funding agreement between EPA and partners will invest an estimated $450 million to cleanup of nearly two million cubic yards of contaminated sediments

Milwaukee, 6 Other Counties Fall Short of Federal Air Quality Standards

New DNR report shows 7 counties fail to meet 2015 EPA ozone standards. All 7 are near Lake Michigan.

DNR Releases 2023 Air Quality Trends Report

Despite Outside Objections, DNR Approves Increased Waterway Protections

WMC says it adds "red tape," but DNR board is following 2015 EPA requirements on discharge permits.

PFAS Impact on Wildlife Draws Increased Scrutiny

From eagles to mussels, how do forever chemicals affect animals, scientists seek to learn.

How EPA’s Proposed Lead Dust Rules Would Impact Wisconsin

Biden administration seeks to lower threshold of lead considered hazardous in buildings.

Join Us At The Great Lakes Areas Of Concern Conference In Green Bay Sept. 12-14

Regional Leaders Gather To Advance Great Lakes Restoration

City Of Watertown Receives EPA Region 5 Brownfields Success Award

We Energies Could Delay Shutting Down Coal Plants

Had planned shutdown of Oak Creeks unit in 2024 and 2025. Now not sure.

4% of Tested Water Systems In Wisconsin Exceed EPA’s Proposed PFAS Limits

But all tested systems are meeting the state's less-stringent standard.

McKinley Beach Reconstruction Project Paused

Changes to the reconstruction plan have prompted reviews by state and federal agencies, delaying the project.

American Transmission Co. Hires Former Utility Regulator

Ellen Nowak is now vice president of the company she was once charged with regulating.

Report Highlights Plan to Address Drinking Water Contaminants

99% of public drinking water systems met standards in 2022, but PFAS, lead remain problematic.

DNR Releases Annual Drinking Water Report

Department, Partners Tackle Safe Drinking Water Challenges

Gov. Evers, AG Kaul Oppose 3M’s Proposed PFAS Settlement

Settlement would limit communities ability to sue over cleanup costs, damages.

Wisconsin Climatologist Offers Take On July Heat Wave

It's not simply the same extreme heat the south is seeing connected to climate change. But that will change.

Feedback Sought On Federal Great Lakes Cleanup

EPA plans effort to clean up 'Areas of Concern.' Advocates and officials have ideas.

AG Kaul Submits Comment Letter Regarding EPA’s Proposed Greenhouse Gas Standards for Light- and Medium-Duty Vehicles

July 10, 2023

DNR Offers To Test Municipal Sewage Sludge For PFAS

60% of 580 wastewater facilities in state spread treated biosolids on land and farms.

Wildfire Smoke Prompts Heath Warnings, Calls for Climate Action

'We cannot accept this as our new normal.'

EPA Proposal Seeks Fix To Unregulated Coal Ash Sites

There are at least 32 sites in Wisconsin that could be impacted.

Judge Rules Enbridge Must Shut Down Oil Pipeline, Pay Tribe Damages

Court says 12 miles of pipeline in northwest Wisconsin passes illegally through tribal land.

Supreme Court Ruling Will Negatively Impact Wisconsin Wetlands

But perhaps not as much as other states.

State Wetland Regulations Remain Intact After SCOTUS Sackett Decision

Business Group Threatens To Sue Over Water Quality Regulations

WMC says proposal would cost $57 million over two years, DNR says $2.5 million.

Baldwin Helps Deliver Nearly $10 Million to Clean Up Legacy Pollution Across Wisconsin, Stimulate Economic Activity

EPA announces Infrastructure Law funding to address brownfields

GOP Bill Addresses PFAS Pollution

Republicans support a municipal PFAS grant program, but add restrictions on state DNR.

EPA Proposal On Carbon Pollution Could Affect State’s Utilities

We Energies facility in Oak Creek would need to cut emissions by 90%.

Baldwin Helps Secure $30 Million for Great Lakes Projects in Underserved Communities

Investment from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will fund implementation of environmental protection and restoration projects

What’s That Orange Barrier in the Milwaukee River?

We Energies' project to dredge river bottom is part of much larger cleanup effort.

AG Kaul Joins Coalition Sounding Alarm Over Pervasive Plastic Microfiber Pollution, Calls on EPA to Protect Public Health

May 8, 2023

DNR Leader Says State Budget Needs More Money For Clean Water

Republican-controlled Legislature will determine funding, with some members indicating support.

MATC Will Use Vacant Lot For Training Program

Partnership with city and We Energies will help train electrical line mechanics.

The DNR Celebrates Air Quality Improvements, Accomplishments During Clean Air Month

Biden Administration Heeds Baldwin’s Calls to Sell E15 Fuel and Support Wisconsin Agriculture

E15 and biofuels reduce the price at the pump and support Wisconsin’s farmers, producers, and rural communities

MATC and Community Partners Expanding Technical Training Program to Grow Diverse Talent Pipeline

New training site in Metcalfe Park area provides high-paying career opportunities for electrical and line mechanic trades

DNR Says Tyco Failing To Comply With Marinette PFAS Investigation

Johnson Controls subsidiary was already sued by state related to contamination. Company alleges pollution could come from other sources.

Attorney General Kaul Joins Coalition Calling on EPA to Ensure That Grant Funding Under the Inflation Reduction Act Furthers Environmental Justice

April 14, 2023

State Will Get $139 Million Federal Funds for Water Infrastructure

Around $81 million will be set aside for replacement of lead pipes.

Senator Baldwin Helps Deliver $139 Million for Clean Drinking Water Infrastructure Upgrades in Wisconsin

Federal investment from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to expand access to clean and safe drinking water includes Baldwin led Buy America standards

Peshtigo Area Could Get Superfund-Style Cleanup

Tyco firefighting foam facility in Marinette is believed to have contaminated area.

Proposed federal PFAS limits signal growing concern over health risks of “forever chemicals”

Federal PFAS limits are far lower, more expansive than current Wisconsin standards

Baldwin, Capito, Peters, Moran Push for Transition to PFAS-Free Firefighting Foam at Airports

In bipartisan letter, Senators urge FAA to release a transition plan to safe alternatives, minimize PFAS exposure for surrounding communities

City Seeks Developers To Build Net-Zero-Energy Homes

Two test homes would be built as part of strategy to develop a housing factory.

Clean Wisconsin Calls for Tougher Limits on Deadly Soot Pollution

Stronger limits could prevent nearly 150 premature deaths in Wisconsin every year.

Senator Baldwin Helps Deliver Over $62 Million for Clean Drinking Water in Wisconsin

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding will be used by communities across the state to address PFAS, replace lead laterals

Defendant Sentenced In Wisconsin Electronics Recycling Federal Fraud Case

Gov. Evers Announces Passing of Former Wisconsin Gov. Tony Earl

Governor orders US, Wisconsin flags to fly at half-staff as state mourns loss

Milwaukee Faces Complicated Question On What Lead Pipes To Replace Next

Milwaukee Water Works hopes to grow replacements by almost 50% in 2024.

Study Finds Algal Blooms Grow in Cold

Study of state's lakes finds growth when water temperature below 59 degrees.

State Expects $25 Million Federal EPA Funds for PFAS Cleanup

$5 billion from bipartisan infrastructure law will address toxic impact of 'forever chemicals.'

Senator Baldwin Brings Home Over $25 Million to Address PFAS in Wisconsin Drinking Water

Mayor Speaks At White House Lead Summit, City Joins New Partnership

Wisconsin is part of new program aiming to increase pace of lead pipe replacement.

Senator Baldwin Supports New Initiative to Accelerate Lead Pipe Removal in Wisconsin

Wisconsin communities will receive support to access fair share of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds for lead pipe removal

Study Finds High Level of ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Great Lakes Fish

Eating 1 freshwater fish a year similar to drinking PFOS-contaminated water for a month.

County Planning Habitat Restoration in Milwaukee River Greenway

Project will clear invasive species, improve habitats for plants and wildlife.

Historic Cleanup And Completion Of Lower Fox River PCB Cleanup Project

Clean Wisconsin calls on EPA to protect Wisconsinites from dangerous leaded aviation fuel

Small, recreational aircraft are the largest source of lead air pollution in Wisconsin. People living near airports that serve small planes are most at risk for exposure.

PFAS Found in Lake Michigan Bay Linked To Marinette Fire Training Center

Dangerous chemicals from firefighting foam found on Green Bay shoreline

DHS Urges Wisconsinites to Test Their Homes for Radon

Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer overall and leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers

DNR Now Accepting Brownfield Assessment Grant Applications

2022 Roundup: Gov. Evers Highlights 2022 Accomplishments

2022 Roundup: Gov. Evers Completes 2022 72-County Tour of Wisconsin

Pocan’s 15 Earmarks To Be Signed by POTUS

Wisconsin Seeking Federal Help For Town With PFAS Contamination 170 Times Safe Levels

“We don't really have an idea where it's coming from,” says DNR official.

DNR Will Again Attempt To Draft PFAS Groundwater Standards

DNR board approved drinking and surface water standards in February, but failed to pass limits for groundwater.

Natural Resources Board Moves Forward with Groundwater Standards to Protect Wisconsin Communities from PFAS Contamination

Supervisors Stall Waukesha Drinking Water Project

Waukesha needs access to one acre of county land. Committee votes to delay this.

Local Company Agrees to $1.6 Million Pollution Settlement

Container Life Cycle Management agrees to payout and reforms with state and EPA.

Senator Baldwin Applauds EPA Taking Next Step to Strengthen Renewable Fuel Standard

AG Kaul Calls on U.S. Senate to Pass legislation to Protect the Public from Highly Toxic ‘Forever’ Chemicals

Coalition Urges Senate Leadership to Adopt Strong Public Health Protections Against PFAS in This Year’s National Defense Authorization Act

DNR Announces Funding For Projects To Reduce Diesel Engine Emissions

Port Director Leaving For Job in Biden Administration

Adam Tindall-Schlicht spent four years atop Port Milwaukee, making major improvements.

Wisconsin DOJ Announces $1.65 Million Agreement with Container Life Cycle Management LLC Resolving Air and Hazardous Waste Violations

October 18, 2022

Gov. Evers Celebrates Highest State Surplus, Rainy Day Fund Balance in State History, Renews Call to Use Historic Surplus to Cut Taxes, Address Rising Costs for Wisconsin Families

Wisconsin Air Quality Doesn’t Meet National Standard

Issue is most significant in Milwaukee and other lakefront communities.

2022 Sustainability And Business Support Report Released

Report Highlights Resilience Of Wisconsin Businesses And Communities

Federal Judge Says Enbridge Pipeline Trespasses on Tribal Lands

But judge doesn't order pipeline shut down, despite unjustly enriching company on Bad River tribal lands.

DNR To Host Brownfields Panel Discussions On Sept. 15

Panelists will highlight new community revitalization opportunities available through a historic influx of federal infrastructure brownfields funding.

State’s PFAS-Polluted Towns Hail EPA Proposal

Decision to list chemicals as hazardous substances could strengthen EPA’s response.

Nonprofit Helps Homes Get Air Conditioned

36,500 Milwaukee homes lacked AC in 2019, mostly in low-income neighborhoods.

DNR Awards Brownfields Grant To Village Of Campbellsport

Funds Will Support Contamination Assessment; Promotes Future Development

Wisconsin PFAS Action Council Releases PFAS Action Plan Progress Report

Harbor Commission Approves Massive Cleanup Facility

New 42-acre, MMSD facility on lake could store 1.9 million cubic yards of sediment

Gov. Evers Announces Wisconsin PFAS Action Council 2022 PFAS Action Plan Progress Report

Wisconsin Communities Act to Prevent Lead Poisoning

DHS experts to tour properties that are part of the Lead-Safe Homes Program and child care centers testing for lead in drinking water

DNR Wants Water Utilities Notifying Customers of PFAS

DNR urges notice after EPA releases much stronger PFAS standards.

Federal Funds Available for Low-Emission School Buses

Bipartisan infrastructure bill set aside $5 billion for clean school bus program.

About The Non-Delegation Doctrine

A favorite weapon of Justice Rebecca Bradley distorts constitutional history to limit government.

EPA Awards Children’s Health Protection Grant to Milwaukee Public Schools

DNR Releases Annual Drinking Water Report

Agency, Partners Tackle Safe Drinking Water Challenges

Should Wisconsin Establish Right to Clean Water?

5 counties will have referendums on this question in November election.

EPA Agrees With Bad River Tribe on Enbridge Oil Pipeline

Letter to DNR cites nearly 200 issues with pipeline across northern Wisconsin.

Should City Preserve Industrial Properties Near 11th and Bruce?

Study will look at land-use options for preserving century-old industrial district.

State Utilities Falling Short on Carbon Reduction

Behind on 2030 goals. We Energies coal plants will remain in longer than projected.

Sen. Larson reacts to SCOTUS ruling on EPA’s power to fight climate change

U.S. Supreme Court Limits EPA Ability to Fight Climate Crisis

Court decision restricts future EPA regulation of power plant carbon emissions under the Clean Air Act

New Development For One Of Milwaukee’s Most Contaminated Properties

Plus: A recap of the week's real estate news.

Gov. Evers Signs Order Prohibiting Gas and Diesel Price Gouging, Urges Federal Government to Act Amid Nationwide Inflation