The Defender Podcast

What does it take to get plastic our of your life? Well, unless you can go back in time 100 years, it’s pretty much impossible. But what about *some* plastic? Just a place to start? In this episode, we’re talking about plastic waste in the grocery store and how to try to take control of […]

While federal money props up old coal power plants in Wisconsin, the EPA is busy relaxing rules meant to keep coal’s toxic pollution out of our air and water. In this episode, what our nation’s new commitment to old coal means for Wisconsin’s water and for the regulations that are supposed to protect us. Host: […]

It’s happening in every corner of Wisconsin—Cassville, Menomonie, Superior, Madison, La Crosse County, Dane County, Westport, Manitowoc County, Door County. Communities all over the state are passing moratoriums and ordinances aimed at stopping what a year ago seemed unstoppable: the unchecked flood of AI data centers into our state. In this episode, who is pushing […]

In this episode, what the rain and snow are telling about PFAS pollution in the Upper Midwest—plus some information about new PFAS laws in Minnesota that could be a blueprint for Wisconsin. Host: Amy Barrilleaux Guest: Alexander Frie, Research and Fellowship Coordinator, Minnesota Sea Grant Resources for you: Amara’s Law regulating PFAS in Products (Minnesota) […]

A circuit court judge is deciding whether permits issued by the state allowing Enbridge to build its Line 5 pipeline reroute in Wisconsin’s Northwoods are legal. But in the meantime, he is allowing work on the new Line 5 to continue — except in a few key places. Host: Amy Barrilleaux Guest: Evan Feinauer, Clean […]

Amy talks with a researcher who took a deep dive into the water impacts of AI data centers. What she found is something you’re not hearing many tech companies talking about. Host: Amy Barrilleaux Guest: Hannah Richersen, Water Policy Manager, Clean Wisconsin Resources for You: New Analysis: Data Center Water Consumption Will Be Far Higher […]

Wisconsin was one of the first places where the farm-to-table movement really took root. But now that movement is changing, becoming more urgent in the face of the flooding, droughts, and changing weather patterns that are taking a toll on our food systems. In this episode, Amy welcome Madison’s 2025 Chef of the Year Evan […]

Right now there are three AI data centers under construction in Wisconsin. So how do you minimize the toll they will take on our environment and our energy bills? On this episode, a deep dive into data center tariffs at the PSC and what they means for you. Host: Amy Barrilleaux Guest: Clean Wisconsin Attorney […]