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Northwoods, WI

Blog

Check out the latest updates and in-depth stories from our staff and colleagues in the Midwest.

Explore the full collection below, or feel free to filter for particular states or issues.

Viewing posts by Andy Olsen. View all posts
Story

National Forest Visit Shows Need for Strong Forest Protection

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Northern Wisconsin is a special place, providing important ecological systems, biodiversity, and, also, a piece of the puzzle to fight climate change. Unfortunately, the CNNF is one of the most heavily logged national forests in the country.

3/19/24

Andy Olsen

Story

Conservation of Mature and Old Growth Forests

Mature and old-growth forests – including those in the Midwest’s Northwoods – play a crucial role in reducing the impacts of climate change by capturing and storing carbon emissions. These trees are essential to a safe and sustainable future, but they need our help now more than ever.

7/21/23

Andy Olsen

Story

The Bullseye on Agriculture Climate Programs

A House subcommittee has targeted climate programs for rural communities. Here’s why that matters.

5/22/23

Andy Olsen

Testimony

Build on REAP Success with More Funding

Today, I testified in front of the U.S. House Of Representatives, Agriculture Committee in support of the Rural Energy for America Program. The 2023 Farm Bill is an opportunity to expand and strengthen REAP. Increased funding is needed to reach more agricultural producers and rural small businesses.

4/5/22

Andy Olsen

Story

Wooden Reserves: Protecting Mature Forests is Essential Climate Action

To confront the climate crisis and protect biodiversity, the U.S. Forest Service must move toward a science-based approach to forest management.

12/14/21

Andy Olsen

Update

Build Back Better Boosts Rural Clean Energy

The Build Back Better (BBB) framework outlines a historic boost for REAP – the Rural Energy for America Program – at $2 billion over ten years.

10/29/21

Andy Olsen

Update

Fourmile Frustrations: Coalition Advocates to Protect the Northwoods

ELPC led a coalition of Midwestern advocates calling for immediate action to protect Wisconsin’s Northwoods.

9/7/21

Andy Olsen

Update

REAP Helps Rural Americans Be Part of our Climate Solution

Rural America’s farmers, ranchers and businesses can help decarbonize the U.S. economy with energy efficiency and renewable energy investments offered through REAP.

8/9/21

Andy Olsen

Update

REAP 3.0: Expanding and Improving the Rural Energy for America Program for Climate Action

REAP has proven its worth, so the time has come to expand and support more ambitious farm energy efforts. With increased funding and policy improvements, REAP 3.0 can provide climate solutions and rural infrastructure investment.

4/1/21

Andy Olsen

Update

Support the Freedom to Fund Solar in Wisconsin

An important case on the future of solar power in Wisconsin is open for public comment at the Public Service Commission (PSCW). The PSCW decision will determine if utility monopolies have the power to stop the cost-saving – and completely legal – solar financing mechanism known as “third-party ownership.”

2/12/21

Andy Olsen

Update

Rolling in the REAP: Rural Energy Funding Renewed

The House Appropriations Committee passed its FY21 Agriculture Appropriations bill that includes full mandatory funding of $50 million for the Rural Energy for America Program, REAP.

7/21/20

Andy Olsen

Update

Cutting Corners to Rush Logging Will Harm Northwoods

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (CNNF) encompasses some of the highest quality ecological systems and habitats in northern Wisconsin. This treasured piece of our natural heritage is home to endangered species and a vibrant recreation economy, but today it is facing a grave threat.

6/24/20

Andy Olsen

Story

A Tale of Two States: Minnesota’s Clean Energy Policies Outpace Wisconsin’s

Compared to its neighbor Wisconsin, Minnesota has accomplished far more in renewable energy development as a result of more and better policies to fix broken energy markets.

9/16/19

Andy Olsen

Story

Rural Electric Co-Ops Bring Solar Energy, Butterflies, and Resilience to the Midwest

Rural electric cooperatives supply power to 1 in 8 Americans, providing expansive rural areas with important connections to the energy grid. In recent years, many co-ops have increasingly adopted solar power.

7/9/19

Andy Olsen

Victory

Promoting Rural Communities in Clean Energy

ELPC recognized the need for a successful energy transition to include rural communities and took the lead in creating the first-ever Energy Title in the 2002 Farm Bill.

5/8/19

Andy Olsen

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