MEA Recognized for Open Government Work
The Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council will honor MEA and other awardees at a free public event in Madison on March 19. MEA is being recognized for promoting transparency and access to public records related to data center development in Wisconsin.
Tell Wisconsin Regulators Data Centers Must Pay Their Own Way
Consumer watchdogs and environmental advocates are keeping a close eye on a pair of cases before the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin that could have big consequences for Wisconsin’s energy future. Find out how you can get involved to ensure data center developers pay 100% of the costs for their power and infrastructure—or if some of those costs will be passed on to regular ratepayers.
Data Center Transparency Is a Right—Not a Public Relations Strategy
Last week, Microsoft publicly acknowledged growing concerns about transparency and community engagement in data center development. The increased attention to transparency and public engagement is welcome news. But it is critical to be clear about what transparency actually means—and what it requires.
MEA and Partners Release Toolkit to Help Wisconsinites Take Action as Data Center Proposals Surge
MEA and our partners have released a toolkit to help Wisconsinites take action as serious concerns about unchecked data center development continue to mount. The toolkit is packed with tools and resources for understanding key decision points and participating in the permitting process.
MEA Files Lawsuit to Challenge Secrecy Surrounding Energy Demands of Meta’s Beaver Dam Data Center
MEA is challenging the Public Service Commission’s refusal to release records related to projected energy demand for Meta’s data center in Beaver Dam. The PSC denied MEA’s open records request, claiming the information contained trade secrets and that keeping it secret serves the public interest.
Data Center Secrecy is Unacceptable
In a column first published by the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council, Tom Content, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin, explains why it’s more important than ever that technology companies be transparent about the environmental impacts of huge data centers.
MEA Takes Legal Action to Compel City of Racine to Disclose Data Center’s Projected Water Use
Madison, WI—Today, Midwest Environmental Advocates filed a legal action on behalf of Milwaukee Riverkeeper in Racine County Circuit Court to enforce Wisconsin’s Public Records Law by compelling the City of Racine to turn over information related to projected water use at Microsoft’s massive Mount Pleasant data center. The complaint stems from the City of Racine’s […]
Legal Victory for MEA is a Win for Government Transparency and Accountability
In a decision issued this week, an appellate court addressed two significant issues that will affect open government and the public records law moving forward: whether text messages on private cell phones qualify as public records and whether officials who withhold public records but then turn them over during litigation can escape judgments against them and orders to pay for attorney fees. On both fronts, the court came down on the side of openness and transparency.
Join us for a Public Records Workshop in Wausau on Nov 23
Public records requests are a critical tool for grassroots groups working to protect public health and the environment. Join Citizens for a Clean Wausau, Midwest Environmental Advocates and Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council to learn the ins and outs of accessing government records.
MEA Files Lawsuit on Behalf of Portage County Residents Over Backroom Deal Between DNR and Large Livestock Facility
A group of Portage County residents represented by MEA filed a lawsuit challenging an illegal settlement agreement between the Wisconsin DNR and Gordondale Farms. The settlement was negotiated behind closed doors after Gordondale objected to the terms of a wastewater permit issued by the DNR.