The Public Service Commission has approved two more large gas-burning powerplants to meet surging energy demand from AI data centers. But the approval came with an unusual cry for help. The Commission— which is supposed to regulate our utilities—says it needs better laws or its hands are tied when it comes to evaluating the need for huge new fossil fuel projects. Wisconsin has no laws that require an integrated statewide energy plan.

Next week state officials will decide whether Wisconsin gets its first ever groundwater standards for toxic PFAS chemicals. Advocates and communities across the state have been pushing for almost a decade to get standards adopted by the Natural Resources Board. About two thirds of Wisconsinites get their drinking water from groundwater.

Right now on The Defender Podcast, the DNR says permit violations are piling up at Enbridge’s Line 5 oil pipeline. A look at what’s happening in our Northwoods.

Listen at cleanwisconsin.org or wherever you get your podcasts.