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Your Monthly Climate Digest

Data centers, nitrate contamination, Wisconsin Supreme Court, and more

Hi John,

How much do you know about data centers? Admittedly, I didn’t know much about these buildings and what it takes to run them until recently. These buildings, which house the servers to run AI and other technologies for big tech companies, use an unreal amount of electricity (and water). 

One large data center could require as much energy as a small city. When I learned that, my jaw dropped. 

What does this mean for our climate? Right now, about 56 percent of the electricity used to power data centers nationwide comes from fossil fuels. And as the data centers being built are growing exponentially, the demand for energy is growing fast. 

We’re at a pivotal moment. Here in Wisconsin and across the country, we need to find clean energy solutions to meet these demands. We have a new campaign in the works (hint hint, it might have to do with data centers), so we’ll need you to do what you do best: stay engaged. 

In the coming weeks, we’ll let you in on next steps, but we’ll need all hands on deck. We’ll be up against some powerful people – particularly big utility companies that want to keep building fossil fuel power plants to make their profits. Stay tuned.

Scroll down for more:

• Nelsonville residents face nitrate contamination
• An important Wisconsin Supreme Court decision
• Join us for Green Tie Madison!
• Knowles-Nelson is at risk
• Make your voice heard at Rep. Steil’s listening session

Thank you for being a conservation voter,

Erin Bloodgood

Communications Manager

Nelsonville residents face nitrate contamination

Tarion O'Carroll moved to Nelsonville for its small town charm, tight-knit community, and access to nature. In 2013, he bought a home and settled in. Five years later, he learned his well water was contaminated with nitrate.

Watch Part I featuring Tarion’s story and join us for the live premiere of Part II this Thursday, July 31 at 7 p.m. where Nelsonville resident Lisa Anderson talks about a way forward. Make sure to click “Notify me” on the video.

Private well owners deserve to be protected. Our team is working on a legislative strategy to address this, so stay in the loop by following our emails.

An important Wisconsin Supreme Court decision

Earlier this month, we won a big case at the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The court ruled that it is unconstitutional to allow legislative committees to veto popular environmental protections passed by the full legislature and signed by the governor. 

This important decision will help us protect our waters and enact much-needed environmental policies. This now prevents anti-democratic committee vetoes that allowed a handful of legislators to make decisions that affect the entire state. 

Our partners at Midwest Environmental Advocates (MEA) represented Wisconsin Conservation Voters and S.O.H2O in the case as friends of the court. We couldn’t have done this without their help. Learn more on MEA’s website here >>>

Join us for Green Tie Madison 2025!

Gather with friends and conservation champions to celebrate and strengthen our movement of voters and leaders dedicated to protecting Wisconsin’s environment. This year we are thrilled to be honoring the inspiring work of Milwaukee Water Commons, The Grassroots Team of Power Wisconsin Forward, and the Native Americans Rights Fund.

We can't wait to see you, your friends, and your finest green accessories at Green Tie Madison!

Tickets are available, reserve your spot today!

This wonderful evening, and all the work Wisconsin Conservation Voters members do together, is only possible because of the support of generous individuals and organizations. Become a sponsor today.

For information or questions about your sponsorship, please contact Membership Manager Philip Gorman at [email protected] or 608-220-6435.

Knowles-Nelson is at risk

We all know that Wisconsin has an abundance of beautiful trails, forests, rivers, and lakes. What’s less known is the program that quietly safeguards these natural places: the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.

For over 30 years, this program has conserved land, expanded public access to wilderness, and protected critical wildlife habitats across the state. But in 2026, this landmark conservation program could disappear.

In our new video, How this little-known program is protecting the Ice Age Trail, join Ice Age Trail volunteer Steve Hall on a hike and discover how Knowles-Nelson is helping to preserve the places that make Wisconsin special.

Make your voice heard in Elkhorn this week

Rep. Bryan Steil is back in-district and hosting a listening session this Thursday, July 31 at 5 p.m. at Elkhorn Area High School. 

This is your chance to share your concerns and ask why he voted in favor of repealing clean energy tax credits and dozens of other environmental provisions in the Big Ugly Bill. This new bill will increase annual electricity bills by as much as six percent by 2029, threaten 1.6 million clean energy jobs across the country, and lose us valuable time in the fight against climate change. 

You can learn more about the impacts of the bill by clicking here. Elkhorn Area High School is located at 482 E Geneva St. Elkhorn, WI 53121.

Wisconsin Conservation Voters
133 S. Butler Street Suite 320
Madison, WI 53703
United States

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