Answers to Common Questions
Below are responses to some of the most common questions about this initiative, including how the litigation works, why municipalities are participating, and what it could mean for Wisconsin communities.
Fiscal Responsibility & Taxpayer Protection
Is this just a "money grab" or a political stunt against the energy industry?
This is about fiscal responsibility. Local leaders are responsible for balancing budgets and protecting community assets. When infrastructure is damaged by extreme weather, the costs often fall on taxpayers.
Our work is grounded in research and existing law, supporting efforts to address these costs through lawful pathways so communities are not left carrying the financial burden alone.
Won't these lawsuits drive up the price of gas for the same people you claim to be protecting?
Gas prices are driven by global markets and corporate supply decisions, not local policy or legal strategies.
Right now, taxpayers often pay twice: once at the pump and again through the costs of repairing infrastructure impacted by climate-related damage. Advancing fiscally responsible solutions helps address that imbalance and protect local budgets.
The fossil fuel industry provides jobs. Aren't you biting the "hand that feeds" the economy?
Wisconsin’s economy depends on strong communities, local businesses, and reliable infrastructure. When roads, water systems, or buildings are damaged, it disrupts daily life and economic stability. Supporting fiscally responsible approaches helps ensure communities remain strong and resilient, while recognizing the importance of a stable and evolving energy sector.
Why not just wait for federal money (IRA or IIJA) to fix these problems?
Federal funding plays an important role, but it is often limited in scope and timing. Many programs focus on future projects and may not fully address existing infrastructure needs or long-term recovery costs. Communities need additional tools and pathways to address the documented costs they are already facing, so they can plan ahead and protect local budgets without relying solely on federal support.
Legal Strategy & Responsibility
How can climate impacts be linked to specific companies?
These cases draw on attribution science, which allows researchers to measure how climate impacts, like extreme rainfall and heat, have intensified due to historic emissions.
Legal strategies focus on long-term patterns of impact and documented industry knowledge, rather than any single weather event. Our role is to support communities in understanding and advancing these evidence-based approaches through lawful pathways.
What if we lose the case?
These cases are typically pursued on a contingency basis, meaning legal partners assume the financial risk. If a case is not successful, municipalities are not responsible for legal fees or expenses.
We help communities understand these structures so they can make informed decisions about participation.
If funds are recovered, how are they used?
Recovery frameworks are designed to direct funds to participating communities to help address the documented costs of climate-related damage, such as infrastructure repairs, emergency response, and long-term resilience.
We support communities in navigating these processes so that any recovered funds help strengthen local budgets and address ongoing needs.
Public Mandate & Urgency
Is there public support for this legal action?
Yes. According to the Yale Climate Opinion Survey, there is a unified mandate across Wisconsin. Data indicates that residents in rural areas hold the same views as those in urban centers: up to 79% of Wisconsinites recognize the impact of significant weather changes and expect their local officials to take proactive steps.
Is this just a "big city" issue?
Not at all. From Marathon County to Milwaukee, the 2025 data show this is a statewide concern. The public views these weather changes as a direct threat to future generations and wants elected leaders to secure the resources necessary to protect their communities.
Why shouldn't we wait?
The public has seen the success of the opioid case and the revenue it generated for participating communities. Joining the litigation now ensures your municipality has a "seat at the table" when settlement funds are allocated. Waiting risks being left out of the recovery process while your taxpayers continue to shoulder the costs of remediation alone.