Environmental Issues

Nearly without exception, when Gov. Scott Walker has taken action on environmental issues, it has been to the detriment of environmental protections and sustainability efforts. His approach is often politically motivated, as with his suit over the Obama administration’s EPA carbon emission regulations or his support of looser mining regulations that favored Gogebic Taconite, a company that not only drafted the bill but also directed $700,000 to groups supporting Scott Walker.

When Scott Walker has taken a position, he has pledged himself to the Koch Brothers, signing a pledge promising inaction on any changes that come with a price tag. In addition, Walker aligned himself with the Heartland Institute, appearing as their keynote speaker shortly after the group compared individuals who believe in climate change to the Unabomber. During his 2010 campaign, Walker came out strongly in opposition to renewable energy legislation that would have required 25% of the state’s energy to come from renewable sources by 2025 (Associated Press, April 23, 2010), and this year he has moved forward with a suit challenging EPA carbon emission regulations. He has also twice called on the federal government to move forward with the Keystone XL pipeline.

As governor, Scott Walker has also rolled back key forward-thinking programs that would have helped to prepare the state for a future of renewable energy and sustainable growth. Wisconsin’s failure to move toward renewable energy keeps it invested in – and continuing to invest dollars in – older models.

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Spencer Black: Degrading our waterways part of Scott Walker’s legacy A recent audit found that the Walker administration failed to follow enforcement policies against polluters more than 94 percent of the time. Under Walker, referrals for legal action against polluters have been cut in half. Enforcement is especially poor for megafarms that produce large volumes of manure. … Faced with the failure of state government […] [Capital Times, 07/03/2018]
Gov. Scott Walker is asking the state Natural Resources Board to quickly approve a land easement of nearly 21,000 acres in northwest Wisconsin’s Sawyer County. Walker made the surprise announcement Friday, May 11, at the Wisconsin Conservation Congress Convention in Green Bay… The governor’s office says the largely forested landscape in the towns of Winter and Draper is an important habitat for white-tailed deer, black bears, wolves, and bobcats. The property features many lakes and streams, including two Class I […] [Sawyer County Record, 05/13/2018]
Walker seeks tougher rules on deer chronic wasting disease Gov. Scott Walker directed state agencies Wednesday to develop emergency regulations requiring captive deer farms to upgrade fencing and restricting deer movement in an effort to slow the spread of chronic wasting disease, saying it’s time to get more aggressive in the fight against the fatal deer brain ailment. [Wisconsin State Journal, 05/03/2018]
EPA dramatically narrows areas of Wisconsin that will face tougher regulations for smog The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has sided with Wisconsin officials by sharply limiting areas that will come under stricter federal ozone regulations to small strips of land along Lake Michigan. The agency’s decision announced Tuesday is a big win for business interests and the administration of Republican Gov. Scott Walker, who argued that metropolitan Milwaukee […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 05/01/2018]
Walker, Environmentalists, Spar Over Wider Review Of Lake Diversion Plan Gov. Scott Walker is throwing cold water on a request to have all the Great Lakes states and two Canadian provinces review a Lake Michigan diversion plan that would help the planned Foxconn plant in Racine County.Walker says the request for a regional review is part of a broad attack on the Foxconn project. “Politically, […] [NPR, 04/20/2018]
Scott Walker signs law changing managed forest program Gov. Scott Walker signed legislation on Thursday that will allow landowners to keep the public from using more of their forest property while still receiving a break on their property tax. Senate Bill 434 makes major changes in the state’s managed forest law, including limiting the amount of land available to the public as well […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 04/14/2018]
Scott Walker signs law changing managed forest program Gov. Scott Walker signed legislation on Thursday that will allow landowners to keep the public from using more of their forest property while still receiving a break on their property tax. Senate Bill 434 makes major changes in the state’s managed forest law, including limiting the amount of land available to the public as well […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 04/14/2018]
Foxconn Plant Would Add to Air Pollution in Wisconsin Foxconn’s most significant air pollutants would be volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides, according to documents filed with the state Department of Natural Resources. The state’s air management staff said the factory would increase such pollutants by about 4 percent in Racine County, a figure officials said is manageable, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. [Associated Press, 03/28/2018]
Foes say Foxconn would breach law protecting drinking water Conservation groups on Wednesday slammed Foxconn Technology Group’s plan to withdraw millions of gallons of water per day from Lake Michigan saying it would violate the intent of a 2008 law aimed at protecting Great Lakes drinking water. The critics said Wisconsin was rushing to approve a plan that threatened to undermine the Great Lakes […] [Wisconsin State Journal, 03/08/2018]
Tribes use speech to call for tougher CWD regulations Gary Besaw delivered the annual State of the Tribes speech to the Legislature on Monday. He thanked lawmakers for working on bills that would define protections for Indian burial mounds and legalize commercial hemp. He then demanded legislators enact stronger protections to stop the spread of CWD, saying Gov. Scott Walker’s hands-off approach is jeopardizing […] [Associated Press, 02/13/2018]
Foxconn wants 7 million gallons a day from Lake Michigan, DNR says The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says it will decide in about 90 days on a request to pump 7 million gallons a day from Lake Michigan as part of a proposed Foxconn manufacturing complex state leaders have pushed as a major job creator. The DNR on Monday released the Racine Water Utility’s application for […] [Wisconsin State Journal, 01/29/2018]
Gov. Walker joins business groups criticizing EPA’s planned emission standard Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker joined Wisconsin business groups in sounding an alarm about a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plan to implement stricter air emissions standards that could impact Foxconn Technology Group’s massive complex in Racine County… Walker, through a spokeswoman, told the Milwaukee Business Journal he’s concerned that a planned federal tightening of business air-pollution […] [Milwaukee Business Journal, 01/11/2018]
First environmental exemption clears Foxconn to fill 26 acres of wetlands Usually wetlands outside of federal jurisdiction are protected under state law, but the Legislature and Gov. Scott Walker exempted Foxconn from state restrictions. [Wisconsin State Journal, 01/04/2018]
Wisconsin DNR’s new legal counsel backed looser environmental rules Governor Walker's administration has now put an anti-environmental zealot and a hired gun as the chief legal counsel tasked with protecting our clean air. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 11/30/2017]
DNR Magazine Saved, Walker to Get Property Tax Cut Handing Gov. Scott Walker a victory as a prepares for a likely re-election bid next year, Republican leaders of the Legislature’s budget-writing committee said Wednesday they will go along with his $180 million property tax cut proposal. The Joint Finance Committee also voted Wednesday to continue publication of a popular outdoors magazine that Walker had […] [Associated Press, 05/31/2017]
Foresters Push Back As Walker Pushes Property Tax Cuts Gov. Scott Walker is making an aggressive push to eliminate the state’s portion of property tax bills in the 2017-19 state budget, but his proposal is getting resistance from forestry groups across the state. For the average homeowner, the forestry mill tax cost about $26 in 2016, according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau. The tax […] [WPR, 05/19/2017]
Bill loosening regulations of high-capacity wells headed to Gov. Scott Walker’s desk Changes for high-capacity wells in Wisconsin are headed to Gov. Scott Walker’s desk. The state Assembly approved a plan Tuesday night that would loosen regulations on how high-capacity wells could be repaired, reconstructed or transferred to a new owner. It was the last legislative vote in a years-long battle over the proposed changes. The bill, […] [Capital Times, 05/02/2017]
West Shore Pipeline will not rebuild Milwaukee-to-Green Bay line In 2016, West Shore said it closed the pipeline after inspectors found “unique conditions that require additional inspections and analysis.” The company said no fuel leaked. After the closure of the pipeline, Gov. Scott Walker issued executive orders lifting regulations to make it easier to transport fuel and to prevent gasoline shortages. [WBAY-TV, 04/21/2017]
Wisconsin Gov. Walker takes aim at DNR magazine, subscribers erupt Twenty years of back issues in Jim Stroschein’s attic attest to his love of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ magazine. Since 1919, the publication has featured stories and photos highlighting Wisconsin’s natural splendor, from where to hunt, fish, hike and camp to what it’s like to own a north woods cabin. If Republican Gov. […] [Chicago Tribune, 04/09/2017]
DNR’s Cathy Stepp defends her record on climate change and pollution Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources secretary Cathy Stepp defended her agency’s record on climate change and environmental protection during a legislative hearing Thursday on Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed 2017-19 budget. The department is making progress fixing shortcomings in enforcement of water quality laws by reallocating employees, so legislators don’t need to be concerned that Walker’s […] [Wisconsin State Journal, 03/30/2017]
Wisconsin lawmakers push Department of Natural Resources chief to keep popular magazine Republican and Democratic lawmakers say they are fielding an onslaught of complaints about plans by the Department of Natural Resources to pull the plug on its venerable natural resources magazine. … At a hearing Thursday on Gov. Scott Walker’s budget bill, Rep. Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam) told Stepp that he worried that the internet and […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 03/30/2017]
Public criticized DNR, Scott Walker over climate change scrub Dozens of callers blamed Republican Gov. Scott Walker, who appointed the top executives at the DNR after taking office in 2011. “You should stand for science and truth, and the truth is that climate change is an accepted fact among the vast majority of the scientific community,” said Michelle Lovrine in a Dec. 30 email. […] [Wisconsin State Journal, 03/04/2017]
Gov. Walker seeks federal flood damage assessment Gov. Scott Walker is requesting a federal assessment of damage from last week’s heavy rains to determine whether the state will request federal disaster assistance. The storm and flooding caused an estimated $30 million in damage in northwestern Wisconsin. State emergency management officials said in a news release Saturday that the storms caused nearly $1.8 […] [WMTV-TV, 07/18/2016]
Wisconsin DNR plans to swap land with Walker donor The state Department of Natural Resources plans to give one of Gov. Scott Walker’s key donors a lakefront parcel in a land swap. The agency had planned to sell Elizabeth Uihlein 1.75 acres along Rest Lake in Manitowish Waters last year for $275,000. The land would create lake access for her condominium complex. Uihlein and […] [WMTV-TV, 07/18/2016]
Lead-poisoned water targeted by new Wisconsin DNR loans Nearly 1,400 water systems serving 3.6 million Americans exceeded federal lead standards at least once since Jan. 1, 2013, an Associated Press analysis of U.S. EPA records recently found. In Wisconsin, 64 systems exceeded limits, including utilities in Stoughton, Neenah and Racine; schools such as Rock County Christian in Janesville and Woods in Lake Geneva; […] [Wisconsin State Journal, 05/27/2016]
Polluter penalties drop 78% Financial penalties for violations of Wisconsin environmental laws fell sharply in 2015 to their lowest level in at least a decade. Data released by a conservation organization show forfeitures paid by individuals and companies for violating state law totaled $306,834 last year. That’s down 78% from nearly $1.4 million paid out in 2014. It’s also […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 05/19/2016]
Gov. Walker calls for changes in deer wasting disease plan Republican Gov. Scott Walker announced a series of changes in Wisconsin’s chronic wasting disease plan Friday, calling for more studies and guidelines for the deer farm industry but rejecting suggestions to resume thinning the state’s herds…Walker announced the new initiatives at a Conservation Congress meeting in Manitowoc. He said he wants to update the state’s […] [La Crosse Tribune, 05/13/2016]
Walker kicks off Wisconsin fishing opener Gov. Scott Walker traveled to northwestern Wisconsin for the 51st annual Governor’s Fishing Opener. Walker was in Gordon on Saturday for the Governor’s Fishing Opener, held at the Minong Flowage. Walker calls fishing a major recreational sport and tourism attraction in Wisconsin that draws 330,000 anglers from outside the state every year. [WMTV-TV, 05/07/2016]
Scott Walker signs wetlands bill Gov. Scott Walker signed wide-ranging legislation on Tuesday that makes changes in regulations of wetlands and navigable waters that supporters say will benefit waterfront property owners. Walker signed Senate Bill 459, which designates areas as specialized wetlands, allowing property owners to conduct more building activity in these areas. The law will also allow dredging in […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 04/26/2016]
Scott Walker reversals piling up as presidential bid looms “Walker’s propensity for saying one thing while doing another and the subservience of principle to political expediency in order to advance his own ambitions has come to the fore,” the liberal One Wisconsin Now said after Walker’s reversal on ethanol policy. [Wisconsin State Journal, 03/18/2016]
Walker signs bill allowing towns in Dane County to opt out of zoning laws Walker also signed a bill allowing towns in Dane County to opt out of county zoning laws. The bill, authored by Rep. Keith Ripp, R-Lodi, was introduced after the Dane County Towns Association pushed for a way for towns to gain more autonomy over developments in rural areas, and to grow tax bases to pay […] [Wisconsin State Journal, 03/01/2016]
Walker signs bills rolling back protections for state water supply, waterways The governor signed a bill allowing farmers, food processors, frac sand mine operators and other operators of high-capacity wells to replace them without a state review of how the wells are affecting groundwater, lakes and streams. The law requires flow meters on wells and mandates study of certain areas affected by high-capacity wells. It waives […] [Wisconsin State Journal, 03/01/2016]
Walker policies cited as factor in increase rise of EPA polluted water listings in Wisconsin The proposed EPA Impaired Waters List for 2016 in Wisconsin contains 1,694 listings, more than double the 761 approved for the list in 2004.The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has recommended an additional 209 waterways for the 2016 list … Critics of Gov. Scott Walker blame the increased pollution in many agricultural counties like […] [Green Bay Press-Gazette, 02/24/2016]
Walker halts state work on clean power plan Citing last week’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker on Monday ordered state agencies not to do any work to prepare for federal climate change regulations that would require Wisconsin utilities to cut carbon emissions from power plants. His executive order follows a decision last week by the Supreme Court to […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 02/15/2016]
Walker appointees at Department of Natural Resources considered disciplining employee for releasing public records Political appointees of the Department of Natural Resources discussed disciplining an employee after she provided public records to a Sheboygan County citizens group fighting plans by the Kohler Co. for a golf course on the shore of Lake Michigan, emails show. In the view of at least one top official then serving at the DNR, […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 02/13/2016]
Major Walker donor seeks special treatment from state environmental protection agency Business executive Richard E. Uihlein has continued to press his case to move a massive floating bog away from his property on the Chippewa Flowage in a meeting involving state, federal and business officials to review the controversial proposal. At a Jan. 28 meeting in Hayward, representatives of Uihlein presented a new option designed to […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 02/05/2016]
Brown Co. needs to lead wind turbine study To his credit, Gov. Scott Walker included in his two-year budget proposal $250,000 to study this issue. Here was an opportunity to address an issue of importance to all state residents – those who could benefit from the clean power of wind energy and those who claim their lives have changed since the turbines started […] [Green Bay Press-Gazette, 01/31/2016]
Madison advocacy group files complaint over DNR’s handling of open records requests The board’s decision drew little notice when it was made in August. But it came under scrutiny last month after Walker’s administration cited it to explain why it had no records on file in response to requests from the Wisconsin State Journal and liberal group One Wisconsin Now. [Racine Journal Times, 01/27/2016]
Bill would permit closing all tax-subsidized land, more cutting of state forests The bill would further restrict authority of DNR foresters to limit timber cuts that would unnecessarily harm wildlife habitat or foul waterways with erosion. The 2015-17 budget signed by Gov. Scott Walker in June included a provision requested by the logging industry to grant automatic state approval of cuts if plans were made in conjunction […] [Wisconsin State Journal, 12/09/2015]
Ex-DNR officials complain about enforcement under Walker The DNR has come under fire from Democrats and environmentalists under Gov. Scott Walker. Officials have said they are enforcing regulations but also trying to reduce unnecessary costs and red tape by an agency that is traditionally one of the most controversial in state government. The letters also raised questions over whether the DNR is […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 12/07/2015]
Paris climate debate reflected in Wisconsin divisions The conflicts now playing out on a world stage are also evident in Wisconsin, where the Republican-controlled state government is at odds with public sentiment on climate change. At the same time, industry leaders here are divided, as some businesses see opportunities in curbing carbon emissions while others fear costly new regulations… Gov. Scott Walker […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 12/05/2015]
Failure at the faucet: Safe, clean drinking water eludes many Wisconsinite In 2011, the EPA identified 75 failings in the DNR’s enforcement of the state’s wastewater pollution permit program. Last month, after the residents’ petition was filed, the state agency announced it is working on two rule packages that will address 21 of the issues… “Our state has historically been, and continues to be, a leader […] [Capital Times, 11/08/2015]
Group asks EPA to step up oversight of state DNR In a teleconference, the group said that budget cutting, retirements and actions by the Legislature have effectively curbed the power of the DNR. The EPA said it is monitoring the efforts of the DNR. “WDNR must continue to report to EPA on progress to address the remaining issues,” said EPA spokesman Pete Cassell. In a […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 10/20/2015]
Scott Walker, Legislature altering Wisconsin’s way of protecting natural resources “Governor Walker believes it’s possible to protect our clean air, clean land, and clean water while enacting policies that improve our business climate and spur economic growth,” Walker spokeswoman Laurel Patrick said in a statement. But critics say Wisconsin’s natural resources are increasingly at risk as government moves away from a conservation tradition dating back […] [Wisconsin State Journal, 10/04/2015]
Scott Walker blasts clean power plan, won’t say if climate change tied to human activity Gov. Scott Walker slammed President Barack Obama’s plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions at a rapid-fire Republican presidential candidate forum Monday… “Governor Walker believes facts have shown that there has not been any measurable warming in the last 15 or 20 years,” spokeswoman AshLee Strong said. [Wisconsin State Journal, 08/04/2015]
The Foundations of Scott Walker’s Agenda: Bradley and Koch On issues like public education and the environment the foundations of Scott Walker’s agenda are not us. Instead he’s is shilling for right-wing billionaires and their foundations to advance his own political ambitions. [One Wisconsin Now, 05/15/2015]
An Earth Day 2015 Primer on Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and Climate Change Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has been making news on climate change recently with lawsuits, gag orders and an appointee to regulate state utilities [One Wisconsin Now, 04/22/2015]
Koch Brothers Support Koch Loyalist Scott Walker in Race for 2016 GOP Presidential Nomination In what may be one of the least surprising endorsements thus far in the race for the 2016 Republican Presidential nomination, billionaire brothers David and Charles Koch have said they favor Walker. [One Wisconsin Now, 04/21/2015]
Gov. Walker Fails to Denounce Climate Change Gag Order on State Employees Gov. Scott Walker failed to come to the defense of science and denounce a gag order prohibiting state employees from mentioning the words “climate change” during their workday. [One Wisconsin Now, 04/17/2015]
Scott Walker Appointee Says Climate Action Is Pointless Because Volcanoes. He is wrong “Gov. Scott Walker recently appointed Mike Huebsch to the state Public Service Commission, and Huebsch was asked about his views on climate change during his confirmation hearing this week. The Public Service Commission oversees utility issues in the state, including electricity, gas and water. “I believe that humans can have an impact to climate change, […] [Mother Jones, 04/10/2015]
Walker says it’s not “unreasonable” to prohibit state employee from working on climate change While Walker did not directly vote on the matter, his office issued a statement indicating the policy was not “unreasonable.” “A small Wisconsin agency that manages thousands of acres of state land has banned its 10 employees from working on climate change issues while on the job. The measure was passed by a 2-to-1 vote […] [New York Times, 04/09/2015]
Walker Proposed Stripping Natural Resources Board of Its Authority The move met broad opposition, including from all living former DNR Secretaries. “In an unprecedented letter of unity, all six former living Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources secretaries have endorsed that the Natural Resources Board should retain its current authority over the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.The former secretaries’ careers span 36 years of leadership […] [Agri-View, 04/06/2015]
Column: Will Scott Walker flip-flop on ethanol at Iowa Ag Summit? Just because he has a long-standing position on renewable fuel standards won’t stop him from saying whatever he thinks he needs to say now try to win an election. [Capital Times, 03/09/2015]
Flip Flop Alert: Will Walker’s Views on Ethanol ‘Evolve’ for Trip to Iowa Ag Summit? Just because he has a longstanding position on renewable fuel standards won’t stop him from saying whatever he thinks he needs to say now try to win an election. [One Wisconsin Now, 03/06/2015]
Walker wants to end funding for renewable energy program. “In an about-face from his first term, Gov. Scott Walker wants to eliminate funding for a University of Wisconsin-Madison renewable energy research center that has played a key role in helping land one of its biggest government grants ever. In his budget, Walker is proposing to eliminate $8.1 million over two years — a total […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 02/28/2015]
Walker earmarked budget funds for a wind power study that is “literally a gift to the coal industry.” “Critics of Gov. Scott Walker would say there are numerous lumps of coal buried in the $68 billion budget he unveiled a week ago. And Kate Sheppard of the Huffington Post found one that is literally a gift to the coal industry. It consists of $250,000 toward a study “on wind energy system-related health issues.” […] [Capital Times, 02/13/2015]
Walker’s 2015 budget calls for more recycling cuts Gov. Scott Walker is proposing cuts in his budget for recycling, a move that represents more than a 50% reduction in funding to communities over a five-year period. In the two-year budget he unveiled on Feb. 3, Walker proposed $15 million in state spending for local recycling programs. That’s a drop from $32.1 million in […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 02/11/2015]
Walker budget steeply cuts DNR’s science bureau The employees include scientists and others with master’s and doctoral degrees who perform research for the DNR on environmental regulation and wildlife management policy. Walker’s budget would cut 18.4 positions in the Bureau of Scientific Services. The bureau has a total of 59.4 budgeted positions, although 9.4 are currently vacant. That would a 31% cut […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 02/06/2015]
Walker suing federal government over EPA limits on carbon emissions “Walker has been working to paint himself as a reformer who opposes big government since he won re-election to the governorship in November. He announced during his “state of the state” address Tuesday that he’s collaborating with Attorney General Brad Schimel on a lawsuit challenging the emissions limits. The governor said the standards would result […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 01/16/2015]
Walker: Where Have We Heard That Before? In his first term in office Gov. Scott Walker signed at least nineteen bills or budget provisions into law that were drawn from corporate bill factory ALEC. [One Wisconsin Now, 09/22/2014]
A Guide to Gov. Walker’s Education Policy: Follow the Money While studies of the voucher program have failed to demonstrate higher achievement for students, pandering to the voucher industry has been lucrative for career politician Scott Walker’s campaign account. [One Wisconsin Now, 09/04/2014]
Will Gov. Walker Answer the $700,000 Question? MADISON, Wis. — Despite claims made by Gov. Walker to the media that he was an intractable supporter of reducing mining regulations, as reported in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel today Walker as a state legislator voted for the so-called “mining moratorium” bill authored by environmental champion, former Madison Democratic State Rep. Spencer Black. “Scott Walker […] [One Wisconsin Now, 08/27/2014]
Walker Voted in Favor of Mining Moratorium But the first-term Republican governor has not always been so pro-mining. In fact, he helped block a proposal to construct another major mine in northern Wisconsin years ago. In 1998 — as a member of the Assembly — Walker voted in favor of a mining moratorium that put the brakes on a proposed copper and […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 08/26/2014]
Walker, DNR, Journal Sentinel can better confront climate change “The Wisconsin DNR’s climate change web page which pops up first when you enter “climate change” in the DNR searchbox. That page which contains only one paragraph, offers a single off-site link and has not been updated since June 18, 2012. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 04/03/2014]
Walker lobbies Kerry for Keystone XL pipeline Gov. Scott Walker is sending another letter in support of the proposed Keystone XL pipeline that would deliver oil from Canada to refineries along the Gulf Coast. Walker addressed the letter Thursday to Secretary of State John Kerry urging the project’s approval. The letter is similar to one he sent in April and comes after […] [Pioneer Press, 03/06/2014]
Walker and the War Against Wind “Across the nation we are seeing a boom in the growth of wind power. According to Wind on the Wires, an advocacy group for the industry, in 2012 seven percent of the entire world market of wind energy was developed in America’s upper Midwest, but 99.4 percent of this development occurred outside Wisconsin. “The climate […] [Urban Milwaukee, 01/23/2014]
Under Walker’s leadership, Wisconsin Republicans have taken no action to address climate change “Sept. 11: ‘State cool to climate-change action’: While the Wisconsin Federation of College Republicans drew national notice for arguing that climate change is an issue the GOP should address, the Republican-controlled Legislature has apparently not gotten the memo. Of the more than 600 bills introduced in the 2013-14 legislative session when this column ran, none […] [Capital Times, 12/24/2013]
Suder Shuffles Off the State and On To Special Interests’ Payroll Mere days before he was slated to start a $94,000 a year job in the Walker administration, it was announced today that former Assembly Majority Leader Scott Suder has taken a different job as a special interest lobbyist. [One Wisconsin Now, 10/03/2013]
United Sportsmen Official Offered Free Two-Day Fishing Excursion to Author of Sweetheart Deal MADISON, Wis. — The author of a sweetheart deal worth potentially millions of dollars for a politically-connected organization was offered a free, two-day Lake Michigan fishing excursion by the lobbyist and Executive Director for the group, according to a story in today’s Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. One Wisconsin Now has filed a formal complaint with the […] [One Wisconsin Now, 09/29/2013]
Lost opportunity for investment in wind energy under Walker “Only a few years ago, fighting global warming was a front burner topic among state policy makers. But the issue has been largely ignored in Wisconsin since 2010 with the collapse of legislation that would have required a big shift to renewable power…Wisconsin’s renewable efforts pale compared to Illinois, Iowa and Michigan. Each added over […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 09/26/2013]
Under Walker, global warming takes back seat in Wisconsin “After an intense focus on climate change under Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle, Republican Gov. Scott Walker and the GOP-controlled Legislature have devoted little attention to such issues…Shortly after taking office in 2011, Walker canceled plans to burn renewable biomass at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The school’s power plant had come under fire for high construction […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 09/26/2013]
New Developments In United Sportsmen Scandal Greet Gov. Walker Upon Return to Wisconsin From Latest Political Junket One Wisconsin Now called on Walker to answer questions about the sweetheart deal to send state tax dollars to a partisan political front group that endorsed him in his recall election. [One Wisconsin Now, 09/16/2013]
State cool to climate-change action during Walker’s term “A recent study ranked Wisconsin 19th in the nation for clean-energy leadership, behind all four of its Midwest neighbors. Of the more than 600 bills introduced in Wisconsin’s 2013-14 legislative session, none contains the terms “climate change,” “greenhouse gases” or “global warming,” and only a handful deal with energy policy…Asked about climate change, Walker spokeswoman […] [Wisconsin Watch, 09/11/2013]
Scandal Surrounding Gov. Walker’s Attempt to Reward Political Allies Deepens Breaking news reports today reveal that the group in question may in fact be a for-profit corporation that received at least $235,000 in income in 2011, courtesy of the right-wing Citizens for a Strong America. [One Wisconsin Now, 09/09/2013]
Gov. Walker on Line One: Wisconsin Gov. Phones Home From Political Junket in Washington State to Cancel Sleazy Deal MADISON, Wis. — A $500,000 taxpayer funded state grant to United Sportsmen of Wisconsin has generated increasing controversy over the last several weeks as serious questions were raised about how the grant process was rigged to make sure it went to a politically connected GOP front group and the trustworthiness of the organization. One Wisconsin Now […] [One Wisconsin Now, 09/05/2013]
Walker among signers of Koch-backed ‘No Climate Tax Pledge.’ “Signers of the pledge, now numbering 411, promise to “oppose any legislation relating to climate change that includes a net increase in government revenue” — in other words, no legislation on climate change without an equivalent amount of tax cuts. They include one U.S. senator from Wisconsin, three House members, four members of the state […] [Capital Times, 07/03/2013]
Has Wisconsin’s proud pro-environment tradition faded? The wind energy business in Wisconsin has also had a rough ride. A decade ago, the state was considered a leader, with the towering white turbines becoming a common sight on the rural landscape. But the state Public Service Commission – with two of three members appointed by Walker – recently voted down a 102-megawatt […] [Capital Times, 04/17/2013]
Wisconsin lags in wind power under Walker Until we get the policies corrected in this state, we’re going to see more wind-power jobs leave Wisconsin, said Jeff Anthony, director of business development for the American Wind Energy Association. “Getting the policies right is extremely important right now.”…Under construction in the region, he said, are 614 megawatts of wind power in Illinois, 470 […] [Wisconsin State Journal, 03/25/2013]
Mining Legislation was a “Major Victory for Walker” Gov. Scott Walker on Monday signed a bill that rewrites iron mining laws and could pave the way for construction of a $1.5 billion open pit mine in northern Wisconsin…The legislation was a major victory for Walker and Republicans who pushed several versions over the past year to address objections. The measure relaxes environmental protections […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 03/11/2013]
One Wisconsin Now Statements on Passage of Special Interest Mining Bill MADISON, Wis. — One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross released the following statements related to Assembly passage of the open pit mining bill that will compromise Wisconsin critical natural resources. Ross pointed out that the bill passed as Gov. Walker prepares to attend a big money fundraiser in Florida today, home of mining magnate […] [One Wisconsin Now, 03/06/2013]
Gov. Walker’s Campaign Set to Drop Anchor at Exclusive Florida Yacht Club MADISON, Wis. — Gov. Scott Walker leaves snowy Wisconsin behind this week as he jets off to sunny Florida for “lifestyles of the rich and famous” campaign fundraiser at the exclusive Naples Yacht Club. One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross wondered if Chris Cline, whose open pit mining bill is one of Walker’s top […] [One Wisconsin Now, 03/05/2013]
Walker Signed Mining Legislation that Loosens Environmental Regulations The bill weakened Wisconsin’s permitting process and regulation of the mining industry. Drafting records show the bill was largely drafted by mining interests. The bill was passed by both houses, and signed by the governor on March 11, 2013. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 01/30/2013]
Wisconsin Citizens Shut Out While Out-Of-State Mining Company Helps Draft Bill to Develop Massive Open Pit Mine MADISON, Wis. — Legislation being fast-tracked by Gov. Walker and the Republican controlled state legislature to roll back environmental standards for a massive open pit mine in Northern Wisconsin was, according to drafting records obtained by One Wisconsin Now, extensively modified at the behest of the out-of-state company seeking to open the mine. One Wisconsin […] [One Wisconsin Now, 01/28/2013]
One Wisconsin Now Statements on the Introduction of New Open Pit Mining Legislation Mining special interests spent huge sums to try to buy compliant legislators in the November elections. And today, this bill is about satisfying Gov. Walker’s seemingly insatiable need to fill his campaign money pit, not creating real, sustainable jobs for Wisconsin. [One Wisconsin Now, 01/15/2013]
Walker, GOP Legislature’s Latest Promises of Moderation at Odds With Record of Extreme Partisanship, Failure on Jobs Promise After two years of unprecedented partisan political strife under their governance, a stagnant economy and record cuts to public education, Gov. Walker and legislative Republicans enter the new legislative session claiming in media reports that they will pursue a moderate political agenda. [One Wisconsin Now, 01/06/2013]
One Wisconsin Now Statements on the Two Year Anniversary of Scott Walker as Governor MADISON, Wis. — One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross released the following statements on the two-year anniversary of Scott Walker as Governor: “Scott Walker used his gubernatorial inauguration in 2011 as a shockingly unseemly fundraiser for his own campaign and the state Republican Party. His cash grabs, pursuit of partisan political power and crony […] [One Wisconsin Now, 01/02/2013]
Differing Views of Gov. Walker’s First Two years in Office The group, One Wisconsin Now harbors a different perspective to Walker’s tenure. Executive Director Scot Ross issued a release citing, what he calls, some of the governor’s low lights: “Looting the public treasury to dole out favors to big business. Slashing investments in education and health care to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy […] [Milwaukee Public Radio, 01/02/2013]
Walker Budget Provisions Weakened Wisconsin’s Stewardship Program and Land Conservation and Force Sale of Public Lands Walker’s 2013 budget included a measure cutting bonding authority for the state Stewardship Program, which buys land for public recreation and a measure forcing the state to sell public lands without a guarantee of a fair return to taxpayers. [2013 AB 40, 01/01/2013]
Walker aligns himself with climate change denying Heartland Institute “Walker will be the keynote speaker at a benefit dinner for the Illinois-based Heartland Institute, a group that has recently come under fire for a billboard campaign linking those concerned about global warming to “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski, serial killer Charles Manson, and Cuban dictator Fidel Castro. …Heartland proudly displayed the campaign on the front page […] [PR Watch, 06/11/2012]
The Heartland Institute’s Special Guest: Scott Walker Gov. Scott Walker (R-WI) is scheduled to be the keynote speaker for the Heartland Institute’s benefit dinner in August, 2012. Heartland has lost more than $1 million in expected corporate funding in the wake of public outrage over its climate denial, reducing president Joe Bast to beg for more financial support. Walker is a perfect […] [Think Progress, 06/06/2012]
Under Walker, Environmental Inspections Dropped Significantly Environmental inspections by the state Department of Natural Resources dropped sharply during the first year of Gov. Scott Walker’s administration. Inspections declined in most categories that affect air and water quality, and they mirrored a previously reported decrease in 2011 enforcement cases, according to DNR records. Inspections are a critical component of environmental enforcement by […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 05/19/2012]
Walker Undermined Wildlife Management 2011 WI Act 50: On November 4, 2011, Walker signed a bill into law that prohibited the Department of Natural Resources from establishing restrictions of hunting antlered deer and regulating the fall open seasons for hunting deer with firearms (eliminated “Earn a Buck” program, which mandated killing one buck per doe). [2011 WI Act 50, 11/04/2011]
Wind siting rules still stuck in limbo Hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in potential economic development are stuck in limbo as officials continue to argue over new wind siting rules.…Those rules were scheduled to go into effect in March. But after taking office in January, Republican Gov. Scott Walker introduced a bill to dramatically increase setbacks.Officials in the wind industry […] [Wisconsin State Journal, 10/09/2011]
Introducing S***f Simac Says Whether its Michele Bachmann’s history lessons, Sarah Palin’s death panels or Glenn Beck’s every word, extremely out-of-the-mainstream conservatives are known for saying some pretty outrageous stuff. Wisconsin is lucky to have its very own political entertainer in Tea Party fanatic Kim Simac (R-Northwoods). Unfortunately though, most of the time she’s making us laugh, she’s actually […] [Cody Oliphant, 07/26/2011]
Walker approved cuts to Focus on Energy of $340 million over next four years In the 2011-13 budget, Walker repealed current provisions that authorize the Public Service Commission to spend more than 1.2% of their annual operating revenues on energy efficiency and renewable resource programs, if approved by the Joint Committee on Finance. Effective January 1, 2012, the budget prohibits the PSC from requiring any energy utility to spend […] [2011 WI Act 32, 06/26/2011]
Walker cut $234 million from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program In the 2011-13 budget, Walker signed into law cuts of $234 million from the state stewardship program, which allows the Department of Natural Resources to acquire land and provide grants to local units of government and non-profit conservation organizations for land acquisition, easements and nature-based outdoor recreational property development activities. (2011 WI Act 32 Comparitive […] [2011 WI Act 32, 06/26/2011]
Under Walker, lost opportunity for “Clean Energy” Jobs Walker eliminated the Green to Gold Fund, administered by the now defunct Department of Commerce. This was a “green jobs” initiative to encourage new manufacturing and technology related to the development of clean energy, so the state could gradually reduce its reliance on foreign oil. This fund offered $100 million in lower cost loans to […] [2011 WI Act 32, 06/26/2011]
Walker Reduced State Recycling Program Walker signed the state budget, which cut $24 million from the municipal and county recycling grant program over the biennium. In Walker’s proposed executive budget, he entirely eliminated funding for the recycling grant program and repealed the requirement for local governments to implement recycling programs. After public backlash, the GOP controlled legislature restored $40 million […] [2011 WI Act 32, 06/26/2011]
Walker Eliminated the Renewable Energy Grants and Loan Program 2011 WI Act 32: In the budget, Walker eliminated the Renewable Grants and Loans Program which provides incentives for Wisconsin businesses to develop emerging technologies such as manure digesters and biofuels. [2011 WI Act 32, 06/26/2011]
Walker Eliminated the Office of Energy Independence 2011 WI Act 32: In the budget, Walker eliminated the Office of Energy Independence, which as part of the Department of Commerce. The Office provided long term-planning and development of Wisconsin fuel, technologies and business practices to reduce the state’s dependency on foreign energy. [2011 WI Act 32, 06/26/2011]
Major Changes for Focus on Energy program Focus on Energy, a statewide program that promotes energy efficiency, is in the midst of big changes: new management by an out-of-state corporation, suspension of a popular rebate program, and sharp funding cuts in the pending state budget. Nearly 20 people already have lost their jobs, mostly in Madison, as a result of the management […] [Wisconsin State Journal, 06/26/2011]
Walker repeals bill affecting water testing One bill Walker signed repeals a state Department of Natural Resources rule that calls for municipal governments to install equipment to disinfect their water by December 2013. Supporters say the repeal would save the 66 affected municipalities millions of dollars. Democratic critics in the Legislature argued that doing away with the testing requirement raises the […] [Associated Press, 05/24/2011]
Walker Overturned Clean Municipal Water Law On May 23, 2011, Walker signed into law a bill that overturns a requirement for municipal water systems to provide continuous disinfection of the municipal water supply starting by December 1, 2013, unless continuous disinfection is required under federal law. Only 66 out of 612 municipal water systems don’t already have the disinfecting equipment, covering […] [2011 WI Act 19, 05/23/2011]
Midwest Wind Energy Suspends Development Activity in Wisconsin In view of continued regulatory uncertainty in the State of Wisconsin a leading wind farm developer has announced that it has suspended development activity until a more predicable climate can be restored… According to MWE President, Stefan Noe, it no longer makes sense to invest significant development capital in a state that appears to be […] [Midwest Wind Energy, 03/30/2011]
Walker Allowed Bass Pro Shops To Build On Wetland Walker signed a bill that granted a special exemption of wetlands laws to allow Bass Pro Shops to build on wetlands in Brown County. Under the bill, the building affecting the wetland in Brown County was considered to be in compliance with the water quality standards applicable to wetlands and exempted the building from other […] [2011 WI Act 6, 02/04/2011]
Walker Signed Law Allowing Building on Wetlands, Despite Company’s Objection We were unaware of any wetlands issues and have not and will not be in favor of doing anything to harm wetlands, wherever they might be, Whiteley said in a statement. In an interview, Whiteley declined to say whether the company no longer had an interest in Green Bay, saying only: “We don’t build on […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 01/28/2011]
Illinois seeks Wisconsin wind energy jobs, projects In response to Walker’s wind energy regulations proposed Jan. 11, the Illinois Wind Energy Association is inviting wind power developers to “Escape to Illinois.” Walker’s proposed legislation would require wind turbines to be constructed with a 1,800-foot setback from neighboring property lines, a mandate IWEA’s executive director Kevin Borgia said “would effectively ban wind development […] [Milwaukee Business Journal, 01/25/2011]
Walker removed environmental, public health considerations in rule-making Walker eliminated consideration of the “environment and public health” from the state’s rule making process. [Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters, 01/01/2011]
High-speed rail funds scatter to other states “Wisconsin will keep only a fraction of the $810 million it won in federal high-speed rail money, while the rest will help fund train lines in California, Florida, Illinois and other states, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced Thursday. Governor-elect Scott Walker had vowed to kill the planned 110-mph Milwaukee-to-Madison passenger train route that was […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 12/09/2010]
Big Insurance, Big Oil, Big Banks Join FOX News in Financing $2 Million in Walker Negative Attacks MADISON, Wis. — Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker’s long career of supporting big oil, big banks and big insurance has paid off with enormous contributions for the Republican Governors Association, which has raised $27 million in 2010 alone and has already purchased $1 million in attack ads in Wisconsin. Total spending by the Republican Governors […] [One Wisconsin Now, 08/17/2010]
Walker supported allowing county streams to be used for wastewater “Milwaukee County Board Chairman Lee Holloway Friday defended the board’s opposition to use of county streams for treated wastewater from Waukesha on health grounds. Waukesha has proposed using Underwood Creek as a way to return Lake Michigan water the suburban community wants to buy from Milwaukee. Holloway said in a statement that “returning water in […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 04/23/2010]
County Supervisor said Walker has not supported efforts to get federal stimulus funds for green construction projects. “While the board’s override of the veto establishes the county is in favor of using stimulus money, County Supervisor Patricia Jursik said she is concerned Walker will delay efforts to research and apply for the money. County Supervisor Theodore Lipscomb, chairman of a committee created to research stimulus opportunities for the county, said that is […] [Daily Reporter, 04/01/2009]
Walker delayed hiring of green building projects position for over a year “Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker came under fire Tuesday for delays in hiring the county’s first engineer to oversee the county’s ‘green’ building projects. Although the position was created in July 2007 and money was set aside for it in this year’s budget, the job remains vacant.” [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 10/29/2008]
Supervisors criticized Walker for dragging his feet on hiring for County’s “green” building projects. “Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker came under fire Tuesday for delays in hiring the county’s first engineer to oversee the county’s “green” building projects. Although the position was created in July 2007 and money was set aside for it in this year’s budget, the job remains vacant. The idea was to have a sort of […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 10/29/2008]
Walker cast vote against stronger protections against polluting mining companies Walker cast votes against a bill that required increased disclosure from mining companies and allowed permits to be denied for a history of non-compliance with regulations. [1993 AB 542, 01/01/1993]