Environment
Gov. Evers Rescues Marine Sanctuary
On Friday, Gov. Evers rode to the rescue of our Lake Michigan environment and the municipalities of Manitowoc, Port Washington, Sheboygan, and Two Rivers. He did so by expressing support for the Wisconsin-Lake Michigan National Maritime Sanctuary, which former Gov. Scott Walker tried to deep-six in March of 2018. The sanctuary would cover about 1,075 […]
DNR seeking input today on boat launch impact on rare frog
The Department of Natural Resources has issued a notice of an incidental take of a rare plant and frog species in Walworth County. It stems from the proposed construction of the Army Lake boat launch improvement project, in the town of East Troy. An incidental take notice is issued when individual members of a protected […]
Mark Pocan submits public comment on F-35
Congressman Mark Pocan (D-Black Earth) submitted a public comment today on the United States Air Force’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed F-35 mission at Truax Air National Guard Base in Madison. Pocan repeated his concern about the EIS and “the inability of an average person to understand the technical descriptions of anticipated […]
Wisconsin joins states opposing proposed EPA rule
Attorneys general across the country are uniting to oppose proposed rule changes to the Clean Water Act by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The proposed changes would allow federal agencies to circumvent or ignore state-issued regulations that protect water resources. “At a time when we need to step up our efforts to safeguard access to […]
Committee passes pipeline protest bill with only one Democrat voting no
The Senate version of a bill that would enhance criminal penalties for trespassing on pipeline sites and other energy- or water-related infrastructure passed out of the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee on Tuesday on a 4-1 paper-ballot vote. Sen. Fred Risser (D-Madison) cast the lone vote against SB 386, which has been promoted by […]
Rep. Taylor takes Madison team to Vermont to learn about F-35s
A group of community leaders led by Rep. Chris Taylor (D-Madison) flew to Burlington, Vermont, last week to see firsthand how a community that has recently begun hosting F-35 fighter jets is responding to the jets’ arrival. Madison Ald. Rebecca Kemble and community activist Brandi Grayson also joined the tour. The Air Force has chosen […]
New rule-making push on PFAS water contamination
The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board (NRB) on Wednesday moved to establish a rule making process for PFAS levels in water sources for Wisconsinites. The unanimous vote represents another step in addressing water contamination issues statewide. PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals used in products like non-stick cooking supplies, fast food […]
Public urged to weigh in on water quality
Safe drinking water is receiving significant attention this year, from proposed rule changes by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to creating new incentives for companies to clean up and reduce pollution. But advocates pushing for safer drinking water are still looking for more. “It’s about time EPA takes the crisis seriously by putting forth much […]
Pipeline protest bill opponents hope for veto
As a controversial bill escalating penalties for trespassing on pipeline sites looks increasingly likely to pass the Wisconsin legislature, critics of the measure are shifting their focus to trying to persuade Gov. Tony Evers to veto it. On Tuesday, a state Senate hearing on the Senate version of the bill, SB 386, was essentially a […]
Milwaukee rejects slaughterhouse after citizens object
Plans for a proposed slaughterhouse in Milwaukee, owned by Franklin-based Strauss Brands, have been withdrawn by the company. Animal rights activists and community members who opposed the project declared a victory, saying the city has moved a step closer to bringing quality jobs to a blighted neighborhood. Balaji Venkatesan, a lead organizer with Direct Action […]
Senate power-plant effort fails, but Wisconsin moving forward on clean energy
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate on Thursday rejected Democrats’ attempt to overturn a controversial Trump administration power plant regulation. Democrats forced a Senate floor vote on a resolution to block the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s power plant rule, which was seen as a weaker replacement for an Obama-era regulation to clamp down on power plants’ […]
Pipeline protest bill has evolved from state to state
Bills like the one pending in Wisconsin have passed several states in various forms.