Wisconsin is on a coal diet, but behind the rest of the country

Coal use graphic courtesy of The Associated Press.

Wisconsin has been gradually reducing its reliance on coal for electricity generation. Governor Evers has set a goal to use 100% renewable electric power in the state by 2050. Still, the continual pressure for more electricity is being fueled partly by the demand for new data centers for the expanding use of artificial intelligence. 

Currently, 32 percent of the electricity in Wisconsin is generated from coal,  which is higher than the national average. The Trump administration has been pushing for lowering the air emission standards that have been pushing the decrease in coal use, which helps to make the progress in the state uncertain.  . The administration has even forced utilities to keep coal facilities open that were scheduled for closure, as well as maintaining coal mines that were set to close. These recent actions will make it more difficult for the US to lower pollution contributing to climate change.