Midwest Environmental Advocates v. Department of Commerce

Background: MEA requested public records from the Department of Commerce regarding possible public subsidies for a proposed large beef slaughterhouse, ethanol plant, and associated feedlots in Adams County. The Department of Commerce denied our access to these records, claiming they were not disclosable.

Status: MEA sued the Department of Commerce in Dane County Circuit Court in early February, 2002. Approximately one month later, the Department of Commerce settled the lawsuit by disclosing 62 documents related to the slaughter house and paying our attorneys fees and costs.