Thank you, Rural Wisconsin!

Thank You, Rural Wisconsin for Powering Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Future

As Wisconsin works to decarbonize its economy and transition to a cleaner, healthier future, large-scale renewable energy projects are critical. Wind and solar farms generate clean, homegrown energy that reduces our dependence on fossil fuels, cuts emissions, and provides reliable electricity for all Wisconsin communities.

This energy transformation cannot happen without rural Wisconsin. For generations, rural communities have provided for our state, and today they continue that legacy by hosting wind and solar projects essential to Wisconsin’s clean energy future. These projects mean more than just power—they means cleaner air for kids in Wisconsin, less reliance on imported fuels, and more local energy dollars staying in Wisconsin. It’s yet another way rural Wisconsin are providers and caretakers for the entire state.

It’s time to express our gratitude. Rural Wisconsin’s leadership is building a more sustainable, resilient future, and we need to say “thank you.” Here’s how you can help:

  1. Add Your Name to the Letter
    Sign our letter of thanks to rural Wisconsin for their clean energy leadership. Your name will appear in RENEW’s digital and print campaign, amplifying this message of appreciation in newspapers, social media, and on our website.
  2. Submit Your Video of Thanks
    We need more than words. Send us a short video thanking rural Wisconsin for hosting clean energy, or post your video on social media using #GratefulForWICleanEnergy and tag RENEW Wisconsin. You can also email your video to julia@renewwisconsin.org and we will post it to our site.

Rural Wisconsin’s willingness to host wind and solar farms is reducing our reliance on out-of-state fossil fuels, creating jobs, and protecting our future. This kind of change isn’t easy, but rural communities are showing resilience and commitment to stewardship. Let’s show them our gratitude. Sign the letter and submit your video today!

SIGN THE LETTER

LETTER SIGNERS

Emily Park, Oscar Bloch, Bradley Bishop, Thomas Butusov, Dale Plzak, Lynn Shoemaker, Susan De Vos, Jon McCarthy, Ben Behlke, Yvonne Besyk, Sam Breidenbach, Tom Schuppe, Nicholas Schneider, Aaron Caprariello, Wisconsin Creation Care Ambassadors, Elevated Solar and Electric, Charles F. Brummitt, Theresa Lehman, Jennifer Wankerl, Natalie Novotny, Christopher Fries, Wallace McMullen, Brady Steigauf, Jed Downs, Karen Mattison, Darlene Jakusz, Amanda Fox, Rich Schoemer, Nancy Gloe, Randy O’Brien, Ethos Green Power Cooperative, Doral Renewables LLC, Alex Beld, Julia Holzschuh, Kim Bauer, Tiana Snyder, Elizabeth Whelan, Dan Herscher, Beata Wierzba, Theresa Lehman, Jodi Jean Amble, Tim Corcoran, Susan Millar, Ray Grosch, Laurie Couillard, Sidney Sczygelski, Peter Kolanowski, Sam Dunaiski, Andrew Kell, Ismaeel Chartier, Environmental Equity Solutions Consulting, SolarShare Wisconsin Cooperative, Citizens Climate Lobby, Evelyn Sellers, Lorenza Zebell, Frank Christensen, Josh Arnold, Michael Barnett, Lauren Reeg, Arch Electric Inc, Eudai Energy LLC, Wisconsin’s Citizen’s Climate Lobby, Michael Vickerman, Samara Hamze, Inc. Blacks for Political and Social Action of Dane County, Ingeteam USA

“Rural Wisconsin is a treasure of beyond measure! It is the source of well-being for all of us. I treasure Wisconsin’s history of small independent farms, of people who know and care for this land – whether agricultural, forest, wetland, waterways and lakes or prairie. I am at least somewhat aware of all the changes that have challenged and continue to change life in rural areas – from the introduction of powerlines many years ago to the replacement of animal-powered farm machinery by tractors and ever-bigger machinery, to the introduction of chemicals, to big multinational organizations taking over by purchasing struggling family farms, and destroying the hedgerows. I thank you for adjusting to yet another big change by accepting big new installations that harvest energy directly from the sun and wind. ALL of us benefit from the energy produced by these installations. Thank you!”

Susan Millar

“Rural communities enrich our lives through close-knit relationships, a deep connection to nature, and a rich cultural heritage. They are the backbone of agriculture, contributing to our food supply and economic well-being, while demonstrating resilience and resourcefulness. Their commitment to preserving natural resources ensures a healthier future for all, making them vital and cherished parts of our world.”

Ismaeel Chartier

“We are grateful to our fellow rural Wisconsinites who support our mission to democratize energy investment. You know the value of community, and your support allows us to continue to provide opportunities for everyone to participate in renewable energy projects. Together, we are building a brighter future for ALL in Wisconsin.”

SolarShare Wisconsin Cooperative

“The sooner we transition to renewable energy, the better. Thanks for making it easier for all of us.”

Oscar Bloch

“To me, solar farms are more beautiful than row crops! Thanks, rural WI, for increasing solar and battery farms, and for innovating like the one near Madison that is grazing under and around solar panels. It’s all too beautiful!!”

Yvonne Besyk

“Our rural communities are where we can find some of Wisconsin’s most special and defining features: farms, forests, and lakes. Finding ways to protect this land so we can all enjoy fishing, swimming, hiking, hunting, and the fruits of our farmer’s hard work is so important to maintaining the character, natural resources, and beauty of our state. Renewable energy is one way to do this and I am so grateful to anyone who helps keep our land clean and safe for this and future generations.”

Natalie Novotny

“Thanks for keeping our lights on with clean, renewable energy!”

Alex Beld

“We are grateful for the values that are learned and earned from living in and growing up in a rural area!”

Elevated Solar and Electric

“Clean energy is our future – thank you for producing local clean energy and continuing to steward the land.”

Brady Steigauf

“Clean energy is essential for combating climate change, and large-scale renewable energy projects are necessary for making the impact we need with the limited time we have. Growing up in rural Wisconsin, I know firsthand the deep connection to the landscapes of our communities and how they shape our identities. I recognize the sacrifice we’re asking of rural areas, and I’m profoundly grateful for the role they play in building a sustainable future for everyone.”

Jodi Jean Amble

“Rural communities have the opportunity to become leaders in the clean energy industry and take control of the jobs and quality of life available to your communities. Which will be an example for the entire State!”

Jeremy Belot

“As someone who grew up in a rural part of the Midwest, I understand what it’s like to see a natural landscape change over time. Even when things seem to progress for the better, we all struggle with change. I see change happening in my own community here in Madison, and it makes me wonder if the city will still have the same identity as it does 10, 20, or 30 years from now. ‘The only constant is change’ is as true now as it has ever been, and as we transition to a clean energy economy, we cannot thank communities in rural Wisconsin enough for being the face of that change. You are powering a cleaner, better life for our children and our grandchildren and that sacrifice is not lost on anyone. Thank you, Wisconsin.”

Sam Dunaiski

THANK YOU VIDEOS