Together, we accomplished a lot in 2023!

As we close out the year, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on all the amazing work that has happened this year. From the shores of Lake Michigan to the bluffs of the Mississippi, we've worked together to protect Wisconsin’s wolves, elevate the call to shut down Line 5, push for more clean energy, pause the proposed golf course next to Kohler-Andrae State Park, and so much more. 

Here's a quick recap of the major highlights from the year:

January

February

  • The Sierra Club Chapter Director traveled to Washington, D.C., to ensure strong implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in Wisconsin. 
  • The Public Service Commission began an investigation on additional low income and energy affordability programs in We Energies territory.
     

March

April

  • Sierra Club-endorsed Janet Protasiewicz was elected to the Wisconsin State Supreme Court.
  • Conservation Congress Results showed support for lands, water and wildlife.
  • Local groups hosted Earth Day events around the state.
     

May

June

  • A federal judge ordered the shutdown of Line 5 where it crosses the Bad River reservation, by 2026. 
  • Advocates called for a transit-friendly and multi-modal transportation solution for the Beltline Highway corridor in Madison through the Department of Transportation’s Planning and Environmental Linkages Study.
     

July

  • Issue teams raised over $7,000 in their Team Sierra Campaign. 
  • More than 100 Dairyland electric co-op members called on the utility to submit an application for IRA funding to transition off of coal and gas and build out clean, renewable energy. Later in the year, Dairyland submitted an application.
     

August

September

  • Sierra Club volunteers took to Washington, D.C., to call for the protection of the Endangered Species Act.
  • Legislation that allows fourth graders and their families to access state parks for free passed the Wisconsin Assembly Committee on Forestry, Parks and Outdoor Recreation.
     

October

November

  • Five fantastic chapter volunteers and two partner organizations received Chapter Awards.
  • The Public Service Commission protected solar benefits for Alliant Energy and Madison Gas and Electric customers.
  • The Sierra Club and Friends of the Black River Forest held a rally and met with the governor’s office about protecting Kohler-Andrae State Park and the lakeshore from being developed into a golf course.
     

December