New documentary follows Wisconsin youth who are suing the state over climate change
A new documentary film brings viewers into the lives of 15 young Wisconsinites who are suing the state over climate change. They share what they love about the places they call home, what they hope to protect, and why they believe they deserve a chance to defend their health and future in court.
LEGAL VICTORY! State regulators must strengthen environmental oversight of Pierce County livestock operation
MEA clients in Pierce County have won a major victory in a three-year fight to protect their community from the impacts of a major expansion at Ridge Breeze Dairy. On August 24, an administrative law judge ruled that a DNR permit allowing the farm to expand its herd to more than 6,000 cows failed to ensure compliance with Wisconsin’s groundwater quality standards.
MEA Welcomes Senior Staff Attorney Tressie Kamp
Midwest Environmental Advocates is thrilled to welcome Tressie Kamp to our team as Senior Staff Attorney. Tressie’s experience in environmental enforcement, water policy, and public interest litigation makes her an incredible asset to our team. We’re excited to welcome her and know her leadership will strengthen our work on behalf of communities across Wisconsin.
Meet MEA’s summer law clerks
Thanks to the generosity of donors who support our named clerkships, Midwest Environmental Advocates is able to welcome a new class of law clerks each summer. MEA clerks work alongside our attorneys on the environmental cases and policy issues shaping Wisconsin’s future.
MEA and partners file new legal action over stream crossing approvals for Line 5 reroute
This week, the Bad River Band, Midwest Environmental Advocates and other partner organizations filed a new lawsuit in our ongoing fight to prevent the construction of the Line 5 reroute. We filed the lawsuit after the DNR unlawfully issued permit approvals allowing Enbridge to do work at four stream crossings in Ashland County.
MEA Joins Call for Stronger Action on Nitrate Pollution
This week, MEA joined more than 80 organizations nationwide in calling on federal agencies to take stronger action to address nitrate pollution and protect public health. We are urging federal regulators to investigate regulatory failures and respond to growing evidence linking nitrate contamination to serious health risks.
Energy Regulators Take Steps to Ensure Data Centers Pay Their Own Way
On April 24, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin approved We Energies’ proposed rate structure for data centers, but only after making important changes to protect existing ratepayers.
MEA Calls for Full Environmental Review of Port Washington Data Center
At Wisconsin DNR hearing today, residents, advocates, and public health experts raised serious concerns about the air pollution impacts of a new data center campus in Port Washington. MEA is actively engaged in that process to ensure the DNR fully evaluates the environmental impacts before issuing air quality permits for the massive facility.
MEA and Partners Seek Court Order to Limit Line 5 Construction While Lawsuit Moves Forward
At an April 16 hearing, a circuit court judge is expected to decide whether to impose a stay on Line 5 construction activities pending the outcome of a lawsuit filed by environmental groups and the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
MEA is hiring!
MEA is hiring a staff attorney to provide legal representation and support to Wisconsin communities confronting environmental injustice. Applications received by March 31, 2026 will receive full consideration.