Wisconsin communities are pushing back against the Trump Administration’s efforts to slash funding for clean energy, pollution cleanup, and infrastructure improvements, warning that these cuts will have harmful local consequences. People from across Wisconsin are calling on their Congressional lawmakers to protect the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) after the Trump Administration has taken steps to halt funding from the popular laws. The IRA and BIL support a wide range of environmental programs in Wisconsin, including farmland conservation, toxic waste and heavy metal cleanup, Great Lakes restoration work, and energy-saving upgrades for homes and small businesses.
“I urge you to consider not just voting on party lines but keeping the health and rights of your constituents in mind. Protect Wisconsin’s Clean Energy and EV gains, and steward our lands and waters, as they will be here long after this passing political fad is gone.” wrote Nathan Dombeck of Janesville to Rep. Bryan Steil. Federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is slated to replace 5,000 lead pipes in Steil’s district.
The Trump Administration has moved to freeze millions of dollars in funding headed for Wisconsin, including money for the popular Environmental Quality Incentives Program, known as EQIP, used by thousands of Wisconsin farmers to implement conservation practices on their land. Also in the crosshairs, funding boosts under the IRA for the Rural Energy for America Program, which provides financial assistance for Wisconsin farmers and small business to make improvements that save energy.
“Whether you believe in human caused climate change or not these investments are good for our state. I am a farmer and have been impacted by the drastic weather-related incidents science says is related to climate change,” wrote Joan Arnold of Rudolph, WI, to Rep. Derrick Van Orden. “I am also a retired Army officer who many years ago received an education from the Army that discussed our climate change and how that would affect our national security. If we don’t continue to alleviate and mitigate our actions, we will put our nation at risk and my tax money will continue to go to FEMA related weather disasters.”
Clean energy projects under the IRA have already spurred $5.44 billion in investments and thousands of new jobs in Wisconsin, according to a new report from Climate Power.
Van Orden’s district, which covers much of southwestern Wisconsin, is set to receive more than $574 million in federal funds for a variety of initiatives, including clean energy projects, wildlife habitat restoration, tree plantings, and upgrades to roads and bridges to protect from floods.
To view an interactive map showing how farms, businesses and communities across Wisconsin have benefited from the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, visit Clean Wisconsin’s Federal Funds for Wisconsin webpage at cleanwisconsin.org/funds4wi.
Here’s what Wisconsinites are saying to their congressional representatives:
You can add your voice at cleanwisconsin.org/funds4wi
“Do you think it is ethical to cut so much federal spending to keep our water & air clean? Just so that billionaires and millionaires can have tax cuts.”
Pauline from Mayville, WI to Representative Grothman
“Please defend the federal funding that’s protecting our environment and helping Wisconsin communities thrive.”
Deb from Ashland, WI to Representative Tiffany
“Federal funding for WI is necessary to keep farms healthy and solvent. For example, Stoney Acres Farm in Athens, west of Wausau, is a place that we buy vegetables from that’s supposed to get $20K for a solar system to reduce their energy costs. It’s a small amount in the big scheme of things, yet a large and important amount to keep a small farm in business.”
Lynn from Stevens Point, WI to Representative Van Orden
“You represent us…the people of Wisconsin & only Wisconsin. We need that federal funding for clean water… This is fundamental not frivolous!!!”
Sue from Chippewa Falls, WI to Representative Tiffany
“I cannot fathom the crisis that would take place if we fail to invest in safe, reliable energy. It’s likely you and I will endure these times. However the damage is already being done to the people you are elected to protect. These cuts will always hit our most vulnerable the hardest.”
Tabatha from Eau Claire, WI to Representative Van Orden
“I am asking that you don’t allow the Trump administration to remove federal funding for pollution cleanup in the state of Wisconsin. I am old enough to remember what the Wisconsin river used to look like before it got cleaned up. There was actual raw sewage floating down the river and dead fish everywhere. I don’t want to see it go back to that. If you care at all about the environment and what will be left for our children and grandchildren, you will make sure that funding does not get cut.”
Sandy from Kronenwetter, WI to Representative Tiffany
“Federal funding by Congress is being stopped illegally. What will you do in that a critical hour of need to protect our environment and communities?”
Andrew from Kenosha, WI to Representative Steil
“As my representative in Congress, I am asking you to do everything you can to stop these cuts and preserve the funding that has been allocated to Wisconsin for clean energy, pollution cleanup, and infrastructure improvements.”
Jim from Manitowoc, WI to Representative Grothman
“Federal investments save families like mine money through energy efficiency… You must act to stop the illegal impoundment of our tax dollars for things that we want. You may think too much money was spent on these programs. But the truth is these investments have large payback for us all.”
Yvonne from Salem, WI to Representative Steil
