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Creating a Just and Sustainable Wisconsin Together

 

Welcome to the Environmental Justice and Infrastructure Initiative Wisconsin (EJII), where advocacy meets action. Wisconsin stands at a crucial crossroads. From affordable energy to clean water, the challenges we face affect underserved communities the most. But change is possible—with your support.

 

We aim to protect Wisconsin’s environment, promote equity, and empower communities to thrive. Together, we can make a difference.

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2025 Energy Planning: the Gas Plant Issue in Wisconsin
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Wisconsin's energy transition comes at a staggering cost—both financial and human. As We Energies shifts away from coal, ratepayers face a billion-dollar burden while communities grapple with severe health impacts. From the $1 billion price tag for a closed plant to the estimated 13 annual deaths linked to another, this section exposes the true cost of power in Wisconsin. We'll examine how utility decisions, approved by regulators, affect your wallet and your health, revealing the hidden price of keeping the lights on.

Though closed, its legacy of coal ash contamination continues to pose risks of groundwater pollution and potential exposure to toxic heavy metals for nearby residents

CLOSED

Pleasant Prairie Power Plant

$1 billion over 20 years

Increases in nitrogen oxide emissions contribute to smog formation, exacerbating respiratory issues and heart disease in nearby communities

WPSC approved $100 million for WEC to increase its share in the combined cycle gas plant which it co-owns with Alliant Energy

Riverside Enhancement Project

52.78 Million

Fine particle pollution from the plant causes an estimated 13 deaths, 21 heart attacks, and 220 asthma attacks annually, with a total health cost of over $100 million per year

Plans to stop burning coal entirely by 2032

Weston Power Plant

Cost not yet filed

Residents near the plant report chronic respiratory problems, with coal dust and toxic elements like boron and molybdenum found in their homes and well water, potentially linked to various health issues including cancer

Older units planned to CLOSE in 2024 and 2025

Oak Creek Power Plant Conversion

1.2 Billion

Dr. Donna Givens' Transformative Insights"

"Environmental Justice Illuminated"
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Advancing Energy Affordability and Comprehensive Planning in Wisconsin

Key Committees and Legislators to Engage

Unraveling Racism's Environmental Legacy: A Detroit Visionary's Clarion Call for Change

Dr. Donna Givens, a distinguished expert from the Detroit area, presents a compelling 30-minute learning journey that serves as the cornerstone for the Environmental Justice and Infrastructure Initiative (EJII) Trainings. This concise yet powerful presentation lays the foundation for understanding environmental justice, offering a comprehensive overview of critical issues and strategies for action.

Wisconsin families are struggling with high energy costs, with many spending over 6% of their income on utility bills. In 2022, nearly 96,000 households faced disconnections. It's time for change, and you can help make it happen. We've laid the groundwork for crucial legislation that includes:

We've laid the groundwork for crucial legislation that includes:

  1. 2% Rate Cap: Ensuring no family pays more than 2% of their income on energy

  2. LIFT Program Expansion: Lowering the eligibility threshold to help more families

  3. Percentage of Income Payment Program: Tying utility payments to income levels

  4. Enhanced Energy Efficiency: Strengthening programs like Focus on Energy

  5. Community Solar Promotion: Increasing access to renewable energy

  6. Comprehensive Integrated Resource Planning (IRP): Mandating a public IRP process for utilities

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EJII Capacity Building Grants: 

Funding actionable ideas to learn, engage and create power
More ways to Connect coming soon...

Upstream Work and Ratepayer Impact

Integrated Policy Approaches: Coordination among federal, state, and local agencies to…

Integrated Policy Approaches: Coordination among federal, state, and local agencies to streamline services and maximize their impact on reducing energy burdens

Renewable Energy and Clean Energy Initiatives

Solar Energy Programs: Provide incentives or support for installing solar panels,…

Community Choice Aggregation: Allows communities to procure cleaner and often cheaper energy on behalf of their residents

Financial Assistance Programs

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Provides financial assistance to…

Utility Discount Programs: Offer reduced rates for eligible low-income customers to make energy bills more affordable

Impacted Residents | Community Development

We are reshaping the funding landscape for underserved communities, collaborating with…

Healthy Homes Initiative | Elected Decision Makers

Our core intention focuses on creating safe, healthy, and energy-efficient housing…

Housing Rehab, Weatherization and Retro Fit

Educational and Outreach Programs

Energy Literacy Initiatives: Educate consumers about energy usage, budgeting, and making…

Outreach and Support Services: Help households navigate available programs and services to maximize their benefits

Energy Efficiency Programs

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Offers services like insulation, sealing, and heating…

Energy Audits and Assessments: Conduct comprehensive evaluations of a home's energy use to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements

Issue Advocacy | Civic Engagement

Fostering a vibrant community involvement lies at the core of our…

Regulatory Bodies | Environmental Stewardship

EJII implements green infrastructure projects like stormwater management, solar, urban agriculture,…

Education and Capacity Building |

Having trouble with your We Energies bill or service? If you're experiencing issues with We Energies and your landlord isn't cooperating, file a complaint with:

  1. Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC)
    Email: PSCConsumerAffairs@wisconsin.gov

  2. Wisconsin Consumer Protection Agency
    Email: DATCPHotline@wisconsin.gov

  3. Wisconsin Attorney General's Office
    Email: consumerprotection@doj.state.wi.us

Important: By law (PSC 185.30), utilities must respond to your complaint within 10 calendar days. If denied, they must notify you in writing within 5 days.Take action to protect your rights. Contact these agencies for assistance with your We Energies concerns.

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What You Can do about it!

Letter: A Consumer Specialist will review your letter and call you to discuss your concerns. You may send a letter to:Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. Box 7854Madison, WI 53707-7854

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For complaints regarding services not regulated by the PSC please visit the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection or call 1-800-422-7128.

Contact Wisconsin Public Service Commission

Phone: You can reach a Consumer Specialist between 7:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, by calling 1-800-225-7729 or 1-608-266-2001 (Local).

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