The Defender

How Caledonia WI Defeated a Data Center

In this episode, how a small Wisconsin community stood up to one of the most powerful companies in the world… and won. And what we can all learn from their fight. Host: Amy Barrilleaux Guest: Prescott Balch, Village of Caledonia resident Resources for You: Stop Unchecked Data Center Development (petition) AI Data Center Energy Demand Analysis  AI Data Center Offsite Water Withdrawals      

What to know about PFAS pesticides

On this episode a look what could be sprayed on food and farm fields all around us - plus a bit of Wisconsin history that offers some hope as we confront a new batch of toxic chemicals. Host: Amy Barrilleaux Guest: Sara Walling, Clean Wisconsin Water & Agency Program Director Resources for You: Under the Lens: What we know about PFAS in Wisconsin's Water Nitrate pollution's impact on Wisconsn's health and economy Neonicotinoid pesticides and their impact Episode 43: The pesticides that could be lurking in your pollinator garden Episode 33: Wisconsin's bees are acting weird. Here's why. Episode 29: Trump's Threat to Safe Water (and how WI can fight back!)

Goodbye Grocery Store?

Meet the Wisconsin native who is foraging 100% of his food. What was the last thing you foraged? Maybe some ramps, or morels? But what about your salt, oil, even toothpaste? On this episode, meet the Wisconsin native who is setting out to prove that he can not only survive for an entire year eating only food he has foraged, but he can also help show the true connection to nature most of us have been missing. Host: Amy Barrilleaux Guest: Robin Greenfield, Sustainability Advocate, Ashland Wis. native Resources for You: robingreenfield.org Food Freedom: A Year of Growing and Foraging 100% of My Food Robin Greenfield YouTube Channel Defender Episode 57: Wisconsin's Forbidden Fruit

Hey Tech Companies, Your Gas is Showing!

Don't look at the gas plant behind the curtain! If you feel like tech companies and energy utilities are gaslighting you with their assurances that AI data centers won't hurt our environment, you're probably right. In this episode, how AI is causing a fossil fuel boom in Wisconsin and the lawsuit just filed to try and stop it. Host: Amy Barrilleaux Guests: Katie Nekola, General Cousnel, Clean Wisconsin Ciaran Gallagher, Climate & Air Manager, Clean Wisconsin Resources for You: Petition: Take A Stand Against Unchecked Data Center Development New Analysis: Data Center Water Consumption Will Be Far Higher Than Tech Companies Claim Analysis: Two approved AI data centers in Wisconsin will use more energy than all homes in state combined PSC approves plan to power AI data center with gas plants

Who's Really Paying for Data Centers?

You may have heard, Wisconsin needs more power and we need it fast. In the next few years, AI data centers will cause an unprecedented surge in energy demand across our state. There are already large expensive new powerplants being built to help meet that demand with more to come. But the big question is, will Wisconsinites be left shouldering the cost? In this episode, the shocking energy needs of AI, why our power companies are rolling out the red carpet, and the lasting environmental and economic harms that could be left in the wake. Host: Amy Barrilleaux Guest: Tom Content, Citizens Utility Board (CUB) Resources for You: Citizens Utility Board Data Centers Page Petition: Take A Stand Against Unchecked Data Center Development New Analysis: Data Center Water Consumption Will Be Far Higher Than Tech Companies Claim Analysis: Two approved AI data centers in Wisconsin will use more energy than all homes in state combined PSC approves plan to power AI data center with gas plants