Latest news with #WeEnergies'
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Two of We Energies' longest-returning falcons have died of bird flu
Two of the longest-returning peregrine falcons to We Energies' nest boxes have died of presumably bird flu, according to We Energies spokesperson Alison Trouy. The falcons, Brinn and Beasley, both nested at the Port Washington Generating Station. Brinn's body was recently found in the nest box, while Beasley stopped returning to the nest within a few days of Brinn's death, leading the company's falcon manager to believe Beasley has also died. Brinn had nested there since 2014, and Beasley arrived in 2017. Together, they produced 22 chicks. "While we are heartbroken over their loss, we know their legacy lives on in the dozens of chicks they brought into this world and the awareness they helped to bring to peregrine falcon recovery efforts across the state," Truoy said in an email. We Energies has maintained peregrine falcon nest boxes on several of its power plants since the early 1990s, according to its website. Since then, more than 450 falcons have hatched at these nests — amounting to 20% of all peregrine falcons born in Wisconsin. "There is a small silver lining," Truoy added. "We have had two new peregrine falcons take up residence at the nest box since Brinn and Beasley's deaths, and we are hopeful that we will see the first eggs in the coming days or weeks." Since late 2024, bird flu, or highly pathogenic avian influenza, has killed more than a dozen wild birds and thousands of poultry across Wisconsin. The current nationwide outbreak has been the largest, deadliest and most costly in history, according to federal officials. Here's what to know about bird flu in Wisconsin, including what to do if you encounter a dead or sick bird. Since the outbreak's onset in early 2022, bird flu has killed or forced the culling of more than 160 million birds nationwide, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported in March. In Wisconsin, officials have detected avian influenza in commercial poultry flocks in Burnett and Barron counties and backyard flocks in Kenosha and Sheboygan counties. The Sheboygan outbreak was reported April 10 in a flock of nearly 40,000 birds. And, while tracking deaths among wild birds is more difficult, hundreds of birds likely infected with the virus have washed up dead on the shores of Lake Michigan in recent months. While Wisconsin is along among 13 states to report human cases of the H5N1 virus, there is no imminent threat of the virus to Wisconsinites, according to the state Department of Health Services. The state identified its first and only human case of the H5N1 virus so far in a worker at a Barron County turkey farm in December 2024. The farmworker had relatively mild symptoms and was on a road to full recovery with antiviral medications, officials said later that month. Here are a few tips to minimize your risk of the virus, according to Wisconsin DNR: Do not handle sick or dead wild birds. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after contact with a wild bird or contaminated surfaces, including bird baths and feeders. Wear disposable gloves when cleaning bird feeders and baths. Use common disinfectants, such as detergents, 10% bleach solution and alcohol, to inactivate the virus. Cook all meat, including wild birds and poultry, thoroughly to 165° F to kill organisms and parasites. Find more information about food safety tips here. Hunters should sanitize all tools and surfaces when handling, cleaning and preparing wild birds. If you see five or more sick or dead birds in one area, you can report it to the DNR by emailing DNRWildlifeSwitchboard@ or calling 608-267-0866. Be ready to note the number of animals; the species, such as Canada goose; if they were sick or dead; the specific location where you saw them and the county; and your contact information. You can find prevention information for farmworkers or those who've had contact with birds, dairy cattle and other animals on the CDC website. More: With bird flu circulating, is it safe to leave up bird feeders? Paul Smith contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 2 We Energies peregrine falcons in Wisconsin dead of bird flu
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wisconsin's energy future: A smarter, more affordable path forward
We Energies has invested in renewable energy such as this solar farm, yet it continues to push for new gas-powered plants. Columnist John Imes argues that these proposals would set Wisconsin back, delaying progress toward a smarter, clean energy future. (WEC Energy Group photo) Wisconsin stands at a critical energy crossroads. We Energies' plan to build massive new methane gas plants is a costly misstep that threatens to lock in high energy costs, undermine clean energy goals, and leave ratepayers footing the bill for outdated infrastructure. At a time when clean energy and storage solutions are proving to be more reliable and cost-effective, doubling down on fossil fuel dependency is a financial and environmental mistake Wisconsin simply can't afford. We Energies has publicly committed to reducing carbon emissions by 80% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Yet, its proposed gas plants move in the opposite direction — locking in long-term fossil fuel reliance when cleaner, cheaper alternatives are available. One of the key justifications for these plants is the anticipated electricity demand from data centers. However, rapid advancements in AI-driven efficiency — such as DeepSeek — could dramatically cut data center energy consumption. If We Energies locks in billions for gas plants just as these efficiency gains accelerate, Wisconsin ratepayers could be left footing the bill for infrastructure that is no longer needed. Instead of overbuilding based on outdated projections, Wisconsin should prioritize flexible, adaptive energy solutions that can evolve with technology. If Wisconsin continues to lag in clean energy, it risks losing business investment. Major corporations like Microsoft, Google, and Meta have committed to 100% carbon-free energy by 2030. We Energies' push for new gas plants directly contradicts these corporate sustainability goals, which could drive investment out of the state. Rather than doubling down on fossil fuels, Wisconsin should implement on-site demand response incentives for large energy users—reducing peak demand without costly new gas infrastructure. We Energies' push for new gas plants isn't just unnecessary — it's an economic gamble that could burden ratepayers for decades. Natural gas prices remain volatile due to global market instability, making long-term reliance on gas a risky bet for Wisconsin's energy future. Meanwhile, states across the Midwest are rejecting new gas plants in favor of renewables, battery storage and energy efficiency. If Wisconsin fails to follow suit, residents and businesses could face skyrocketing energy costs and stranded fossil fuel assets that quickly become obsolete. Rather than allowing utilities to dictate energy policy, Wisconsin must take a more strategic approach. Other states have already adopted comprehensive energy transition plans that prioritize renewables, storage and grid modernization. Without a coordinated strategy, Wisconsin risks falling behind — leaving businesses and consumers to bear unnecessary costs. The recent GreenBiz 25 conference, where more than 2,500 sustainability professionals gathered, underscored a key reality: Businesses are proving they can 'do well by doing good.' Companies are cutting energy use, reducing emissions and making strategic clean energy investments that align with both business and environmental goals. Despite political resistance, responsible businesses are stepping up. But they can't do it alone — Wisconsin policymakers must work with business leaders to create a regulatory environment that supports clean energy innovation rather than hindering it. The outdated notion that natural gas is the only way to meet peak demand is being disproven across the country. Texas, California and even Alaska are deploying large-scale battery storage systems to replace gas-fired peaker plants. Battery storage costs have fallen 90% over the last decade, making it the clear economic winner over new fossil fuel generation. Before committing billions to new gas plants, Wisconsin should first maximize cost-effective battery storage—proven technology that reduces emissions while keeping electricity rates stable. Instead of building expensive new gas infrastructure, Wisconsin should follow the lead of other states that are repurposing existing fossil fuel plants into clean energy hubs. By investing in solar, wind, and battery storage at existing power plant sites, Wisconsin can leverage existing grid connections and transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy system. This 'clean repowering' strategy allows for a smoother transition while maintaining grid stability—without saddling ratepayers with the cost of unnecessary new gas plants. Wisconsin has a historic opportunity to lead the Midwest in clean energy innovation. But We Energies' gas expansion plan is a step in the wrong direction. Investing in clean energy solutions creates jobs, lowers costs and aligns with corporate sustainability goals. Locking in new gas plants while battery storage and renewables continue to outpace fossil fuels is an expensive mistake Wisconsin can't afford. The choice is clear: Do we cling to outdated, expensive fossil fuel infrastructure, or do we embrace a smarter, more resilient clean energy future? The answer should be obvious—for our economy, our environment and the future of Wisconsin. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Building new natural gas plants in Wisconsin will strap customers with big bills
Wisconsin stands at a critical energy crossroads. We Energies' plan to build massive new natural gas plants represents a costly misstep that threatens to lock in high energy costs, undermine clean energy goals and leave ratepayers footing the bill for outdated infrastructure. At a time when clean energy and storage solutions are proving more reliable and cost-effective, doubling down on fossil fuel dependency is a financial and environmental mistake Wisconsin can't afford. We Energies' proposed gas plants are not just unnecessary — they're a long-term financial burden on ratepayers. Natural gas prices remain highly volatile due to global market instability, making reliance on gas a risky bet for Wisconsin's energy future. Meanwhile, states across the Midwest are rejecting new gas plants in favor of renewables, battery storage and efficiency. Wisconsin must follow suit or risk saddling customers with stranded assets and skyrocketing costs. Wisconsin should prioritize growing its clean energy economy, not expanding fossil fuel infrastructure that contradicts the state's climate commitments. A 100% clean energy standard would position Wisconsin as a leader in the Midwest, attracting businesses that demand sustainable power. Investments in solar, wind, battery storage, microgrids and smart grid upgrades will create jobs, enhance grid reliability and protect ratepayers from long-term price spikes. Community solar and distributed energy empower local communities to generate their own clean power, reducing reliance on utilities and providing lower-cost energy options. We Energies argues that new gas plants are needed to meet growing electricity demand, largely driven by data centers. But rapid advancements in AI-driven efficiency breakthroughs — such as DeepSeek — could significantly reduce energy consumption in data centers, meaning the projected demand may never materialize. If We Energies locks in billions of dollars for gas plants just as efficiency gains take off, Wisconsin ratepayers will be stuck paying for unnecessary infrastructure. Instead of overbuilding based on outdated assumptions, the state should focus on flexible, adaptive solutions that can evolve alongside technological advances. The idea that natural gas is the only way to meet peak demand is outdated and inaccurate. Texas, California and even Alaska are deploying large-scale battery storage systems to replace gas-fired peaker plants. Battery storage costs have fallen 90% over the last decade, making it the clear economic winner over new fossil fuel generation. Before committing billions to gas plants, Wisconsin should deploy storage solutions first — a proven, cost-effective alternative that reduces emissions and keeps electricity rates stable. More: CBS58 had no choice but to fire Sam Kuffel for damaging TV station's image | Letters Other states are retrofitting fossil fuel plants into clean energy hubs rather than building new gas infrastructure. Wisconsin should invest in solar, wind and battery storage at existing power plant sites, leveraging grid connections already in place. This 'clean repowering' strategy allows for a smoother transition while maintaining grid stability and avoiding costly new gas plants. Wisconsin risks losing business investment by ignoring corporate demand for clean energy. Major corporations like Microsoft, Google and Meta have committed to 100% carbon-free energy by 2030. We Energies' push for new gas plants directly contradicts these goals, forcing companies to seek cleaner power elsewhere. Rather than doubling down on fossil fuels, Wisconsin should implement on-site demand response incentives for large energy users, reducing peak demand without building expensive new gas plants. Wisconsin has a historic opportunity to lead the Midwest in clean energy innovation, but We Energies' gas expansion is a step in the wrong direction. Investing in clean energy solutions drives job creation, lowers costs and meets corporate sustainability goals. Locking in new gas plants while storage and renewables continue to outpace fossil fuels is a financial mistake Wisconsin can't afford. More: Malcolm X understood what was wrong about Snoop Dogg's show celebrating Trump | Opinion The choice is clear: Do we cling to outdated, expensive fossil fuel infrastructure, or do we embrace a smarter, more resilient clean energy future? The answer should be obvious — for our economy, our environment and the future of Wisconsin. John Imes is co-founder and director of Wisconsin Environmental Initiative. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: We Energies must invest in clean energy sources, not gas | Opinion
