Midwest Environmental Advocates is honored to share that MEA has been selected to receive a 2026 Openness in Government Award (“Opee”) from the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council.
MEA is being recognized for promoting transparency and access to public records related to data center development in Wisconsin. In 2025, MEA filed two lawsuits to ensure public access to critical information about projected water usage and energy demand.
- The first lawsuit, against the city of Racine, forced the release of water usage projections for Microsoft’s Mount Pleasant data center campus.
- The second lawsuit, against the Public Service Commission, challenged the “trade secret” status of energy demand data for Meta’s proposed data center in Beaver Dam. That case is pending.
The Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council will recognize MEA and fellow award recipients at a free public event in Madison on March 19. You can find information about the event here.
We’re grateful for this recognition and proud to continue working with communities across Wisconsin to ensure that government remains open, accountable, and responsive to the people it serves.
