October of 2024 was an exciting time for clean energy advocates in Wisconsin. Badger Hollow, the first wind project to seek state approval since 2011, submitted an application to Wisconsin’s Public Service Commission. This application is currently in the approval process and Clean Wisconsin is deploying our legal and advocacy expertise to ensure this project contributes to Wisconsin’s clean energy future.
Harvesting Southwest Wisconsin’s ample wind energy resources, the Badger Hollow Wind Energy Center will generate 118 MW of clean electricity. By replacing fossil fuel generation, this means avoided air pollution and reduced climate-warming carbon emissions. As Wisconsin works to achieve our climate action goals of transitioning to a net-zero economy by 2050, Badger Hollow will be an important step forward.
For the hosting communities of Clifton, Eden, Linden, Mifflin, and Wingville, located in Iowa and Grant Counties in southwest Wisconsin, the benefits are not only environmental. By hosting this project, they have the potential to unlock large economic opportunities for their communities.
The project is anticipated to generate $38 million dollars in direct lease payments to the participating landowners. At a time of volatility and uncertainty in agricultural markets, the guaranteed income of a wind lease could be the difference between a family being forced to sell their farm or being able to keep it for future generations.
It is anticipated that 200 good-paying jobs will be created during the construction of the project. This is not only an opportunity for the workers of southwest Wisconsin, but also an opportunity for businesses in the area. These workers will get haircuts, eat out, fuel up, and spend their dollars in the communities where they are working. 
The economic benefits are not short-term. Wisconsin’s utility aid payment program will help support town and county budgets in the project area for as long as Badger Hollow is operational. For the anticipated thirty-year operational life, these towns and counties will split $590,000 in additional shared revenue annually. This could mean fixed and improved roads, new emergency equipment or even investments such as broadband infrastructure, all done without raising taxes. These utility aid payments will help hosting communities build the future they want for themselves.
Clean Wisconsin’s engagement
Alongside our partners Healthy Climate Wisconsin and RENEW Wisconsin, Clean Wisconsin is currently intervening in support of Badger Hollow at the Public Service Commission. Drawing upon our considerable legal and scientific expertise, as well as decades of experience advocating for clean energy projects in front of the Commission, Clean Wisconsin will help ensure that the final permit decision reflects the best available information on wind energy.
Getting this project built will require more than just our work at the PSC. Our Rural Energy Campaign is also working to build support on the ground in the host communities. We have been gathering stories of how other host communities have benefited from clean energy projects. Seeking to make sure that this project is a win-win, we have worked to understand and address good-faith local concerns. We have helped lead an effort consisting of over a dozen organizations working collaboratively to ensure this project is approved and built. Our Local Partnerships Manager Kaysee Beckstrom has been meeting with individuals and organizations across the region, seeking their input and identifying the local leaders willing to stand up for wind in their communities.
How you can help
Do you want to join Clean Wisconsin in making Badger Hollow Wind a reality? There are several ways for you to help. First, arm yourself with the facts at cleanwisconsin.org/wind. We offer a wealth of resources to help you understand how wind benefits local communities and the state as a whole. Then, get ready to stand up and make your support for wind public. Talk with your neighbors, colleagues and friends about why you support Badger Hollow Wind. Consider contacting Clean Wisconsin staff for help writing a letter to the editor expressing your support for the project.
Most importantly, be prepared to submit a public comment to the Public Service Commission in support of Badger Hollow Wind. When making decisions about whether to approve the project, the PSC looks towards public comments as a measure of public opinion. Sign up for action alerts at cleanwisconsin.org/action and be prepared for an alert when it’s time to make your voice heard in front of the Public Service Commission.
