A legal challenge against the Line 5 oil pipeline is set to begin August 12 in Ashland. Canadian oil giant Enbridge wants to trench and blast across northern Wisconsin to make way for a new 41-mile section of the pipeline. Environmental groups and the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa are challenging permits and other approvals for the project issued by the DNR.

Environmental groups across Wisconsin are calling on the state’s congressional representatives not to support a bill that would weaken the Clean Water Act. The so-called PERMIT Act would, among other harms, allow polluters to release PFAS “forever chemicals” into waterways without telling state officials, allow massive amounts of pesticides to be released into waterways, and fast-track projects that destroy wetlands & streams.

For a deep dive into Wisconsin’s most pressing environmental issues, check out my Defender podcast at cleanwisconsin.org or wherever you get your podcasts.