State of Wisconsin Archives: on Environment
Alex Lasry:
I strongly support keeping public lands in public hands
We need to substantially update and modernize our environmental protection laws to meet the challenges of today and enforce stronger consequences that actually dissuade people and corporations from violating these tougher standards. Corporations have
shown us time and again that when the penalties are too light, they will not always act in the public welfare. That is where strong government enforcement must come in, and in the Senate, I will fight for more stringent environmental guardrails.
I strongly support keeping public lands in public hands. I strongly oppose all efforts to undermine the Antiquities Act and, in the Senate, will ensure it stays in place. We must use the full power of this law to make sure we go from
permanently protecting 12% of America's land to 30%. I will push to change the law to ensure once a President has used that power to protect public lands, it cannot be reversed by a future President.
Source: 2022 Wisconsin Senate campaign website AlexLasry.com
Nov 16, 2019
Alex Lasry:
I support repealing Trump rollbacks of emission standards
I stand with President Biden and applaud his decision to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement, but there is so much more to be done to reduce climate emissions, and that starts with holding big corporations accountable. I support the efforts from the
Biden administration to repeal the Trump rollbacks and create strong standards to reduce methane pollution. A 65% reduction by 2025 is attainable, and 90% by 2030 is possible if we focus on the task instead of engaging in partisan bickering.
Source: 2022 Wisconsin Senate campaign website AlexLasry.com
Nov 16, 2019
Bill Lee:
Cost-benefit analysis of agricultural regulations
We have to defend and protect our state's Right-to-Farm law, which provides key protections for our farmers to continue doing what they've always done: produce.Our government shouldn't be in the business of picking winners and losers. Unfortunately,
regulations and the cost of those regulations often mean we are putting producers at a disadvantage to serve some other group.
We should make the cost-benefit analysis of regulations more transparent and reflective of who bears most of the impact.
When we find--which we will in most cases--that the producer bears a disproportionate share of the impact we have a responsibility to look for alternatives or find new, creative ways to reduce the impact.
It's why I believe it is critical for us to put more agricultural experience into our state regulatory agencies, and to ensure that these agencies have a complete picture of the agriculture supply chain before taking action.
Source: 2018 Wisconsin governor campaign website BillLee.org
Jul 2, 2018
Bob Harlow:
Annual tests for heavy metals in all drinking water
Test drinking water annually and pass legislation that gives the governor power to immediately stop polluters if contamination is detected: I will ensure that every Wisconsin resident has clean drinking water by implementing annual tests for heavy
metals, petrol-chemicals, and dangerous bacteria for all Wisconsin wells and utilities and by passing legislation that grants the Governor power to immediately stop polluters if contamination is discovered.
Source: 2018 Wisconsin Gubernatorial campaign website BobHarlow.net
Mar 15, 2017
Jim Doyle:
Don't allow the sale of raw unpasteurized dairy products
Legislative Summary: Senate Bill 434: Relating to: the sale of unpasteurized milk, buttermilk, butter, and cream.Wisconsin Radio Network analysis: State Representative Chris Danou says allowing on farm sales of raw,
unpasteurized milk could provide a new source of revenue for the state's hard pressed dairy farmers. "It allows the farmer essentially to capture some more of the retail dollar," says the Trempeleau Democrat. Danou says some consumers "are willing to
pay a premium" for raw milk.
Veto Message:The public health community has been nearly unanimous in their opposition to this proposal. I cannot ignore the potential harmful health effects of consuming unpasteurized milk that have been
raised by many groups.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 25-8-0 on Apr/15/10; Passed Assembly 60-35-4 on Apr/22/10; Vetoed by Governor Jim Doyle on May/19/10
Source: Wisconsin Radio Network on Wisconsin SB 434 voting records
May 19, 2010
Kathleen Vinehout:
Preserve natural resources for future generations
We put people first when our air, water, natural resources are preserved and enhanced for everyone's use and enjoyment. We put people first when our children, our grandchildren, our great grandchildren inherit the blessings of the land, sky and water
from us. Their future welfare is our obligation. Don't put pollutants into the air. Don't put contaminants into water. Go back to having DNR run by an independent Secretary appointed by the Natural Resources.
Source: 2018 Wisconsin Gubernatorial website KathleenVinehout.org
Feb 22, 2018
Kelda Helen Roys:
Support EPA regulatory work
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Fight EPA regulatory over-reach"?
A: Strongly Oppose
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Wisconsin Governor candidate
May 5, 2018
Leah Vukmir:
Many EPA actions are over-regulation
Q: Support cutbacks of Environmental Protection Administration?Tammy Baldwin (D): No. Will continue to try to restore full EPA funding & oppose new cuts.
Leah Vukmir (R): Likely yes. Board member of ALEC, which considers many EPA actions overregulation.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Wisconsin Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Leah Vukmir:
Allow the sale of raw unpasteurized dairy products
Legislative Summary: Senate Bill 434: Relating to: the sale of unpasteurized milk, buttermilk, butter, and cream.Wisconsin Radio Network analysis: State Representative Chris Danou says allowing on farm sales of raw,
unpasteurized milk could provide a new source of revenue for the state's hard pressed dairy farmers. "It allows the farmer essentially to capture some more of the retail dollar," says the Trempeleau Democrat. Danou says some consumers "are willing to
pay a premium" for raw milk.
Veto Message:The public health community has been nearly unanimous in their opposition to this proposal. I cannot ignore the potential harmful health effects of consuming unpasteurized milk that have been
raised by many groups.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 25-8-0 on Apr/15/10; Passed Assembly 60-35-4 on Apr/22/10; State Rep. Leah Vukmir voted YES; Vetoed by Governor Jim Doyle on May/19/10
Source: Wisconsin Radio Network on Wisconsin SB 434 voting records
Apr 22, 2010
Mark Neumann:
Oppose UN's Agenda 21 sustainable development
Question 4. Will you work to prevent or reverse the entrenchment of Agenda 21 "sustainable development" strategies in the United States? [Note: "Agenda 21" is the United Nations plan that came out of the 1992 Rio Conference on Environment and
Development, which was signed by the United States without formal ratification]. Mark Neumann: Yes
Tommy Thompson: Yes
Source: 2012 Wisconsin Tea Party Senate Debate Questionnaire
Aug 13, 2012
Mike Gallagher:
Protect natural resources without EPA destroying our economy
Our vast natural resources are a part of what makes Wisconsin such a special place to call home. And it's our responsible and balanced stewardship of these national treasures that will secure them for generations to come while still providing enjoyment,
income, and beauty for us today. We must protect our natural resources without letting bureaucrats in Washington DC destroy our economy. We need to stand firm against excessive regulations that will put Wisconsin out of business, subject our economy
to the command and control of the EPA, and do little to actually help the environment. I believe that we can find a way to protect our natural resources without the EPA destroying our economy.
Here in Northeast Wisconsin, the environment is far
too valuable to be subjected to partisan bickering. That's why I would also continue Rep. Ribble's Save the Bay initiative, continuing to bring local communities and stakeholders together to protect the Bay of Green Bay and improve our water quality.
Source: 2016 Wisconsin House campaign website MikeForWisconsin.com
Nov 8, 2016
Phil Anderson:
Fight EPA regulatory over-reach
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Fight EPA regulatory over-reach"?
A: Support.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Wisconsin Governor candidate
May 18, 2018
Russell Feingold:
Clean Water Restoration Act to protect streams and wetlands
Feingold consistently voted in favor of environmental protection, was a leader of the opposition to Arctic drilling and voted against the Bush-Cheney energy bill.As a Great Lakes senator, Feingold showed particular leadership of water issues.
Year after year, Feingold sponsored the Clean Water Restoration Act, to preserve Clean Water Act protections for millions of miles and acres of streams and wetlands.
It's the same issue that President Obama addressed with a new clean-water rule just this week, a rule that the Senate will likely try to kill soon.
So far, [Feingold's opponent] Sen. Ron Johnson hasn't added his name as a cosponsor, but he's expressed concerns about the rule, and this may soon provide a stark policy contrast between the two Wisconsin politicians.
Source: Huffington Post coverage of 2016 Wisconsin Senate race
May 28, 2015
Scott Fitzgerald:
Allow the sale of raw unpasteurized dairy products
Legislative Summary: Senate Bill 434: Relating to: the sale of unpasteurized milk, buttermilk, butter, and cream.Wisconsin Radio Network analysis: State Representative Chris Danou says allowing on farm sales of raw,
unpasteurized milk could provide a new source of revenue for the state's hard pressed dairy farmers. "It allows the farmer essentially to capture some more of the retail dollar," says the Trempeleau Democrat. Danou says some consumers "are willing to
pay a premium" for raw milk.
Veto Message:The public health community has been nearly unanimous in their opposition to this proposal. I cannot ignore the potential harmful health effects of consuming unpasteurized milk that have been
raised by many groups.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 25-8-0 on Apr/15/10; State Sen. Scott Fitzgerald voted YES; Passed Assembly 60-35-4 on Apr/22/10; Vetoed by Governor Jim Doyle on May/19/10
Source: Wisconsin Radio Network on Wisconsin SB 434 voting records
Apr 15, 2010
Scott Walker:
Streamline process for safe and environmentally sound mining
One of the best ways we can show the people of Wisconsin that their state government is focused on jobs is to pass a bill that streamlines the process for safe and environmentally sound mining. Start with the legislation that was approved in the
Joint Finance Committee last session, include some reasonable modifications, and send me a bill to sign into law early this year.A mine would be a lifeline to people in northwestern Wisconsin, where the unemployment rate in Iron County is the
2nd highest in the state at nearly 12 percent. But the benefits will be felt all across Wisconsin.
We have the potential for a billion and a half dollar investment here in our state that could lead to as many as 3,000 construction-related jobs and
2,800 long-term jobs. It's no wonder that I've heard from people in places like Clinton & Wausau, Green Bay & Prairie du Chien, Superior & Chippewa Falls, all who want us to pass this bill. We need to get started on this project as soon as possible.
Source: 2013 State of the State address to Wisconsin Legislature
Jan 15, 2013
Tammy Baldwin:
Restore full EPA funding & oppose new cuts
Q: Support cutbacks of Environmental Protection Administration?Tammy Baldwin (D): No. Will continue to try to restore full EPA funding & oppose new cuts.
Leah Vukmir (R): Likely yes. Board member of ALEC, which considers many EPA actions overregulation.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Wisconsin Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Tim Michels:
Nothing's more important than having clean, drinkable water
Michels supports government participation to ensure clean water. "Of course, the government's No. 1 duty is to take care of people.
The government needs to get involved and help with the cleanup. It's on the state level and the federal level. Nothing's more important than having clean, drinkable water. It's the foundation of life."
Source: Eagle Herald on 2022 Wisconsin Governor race
May 1, 2022
Tom Nelson:
Don't allow the sale of raw unpasteurized dairy products
Legislative Summary: Senate Bill 434: Relating to: the sale of unpasteurized milk, buttermilk, butter, and cream.Wisconsin Radio Network analysis: State Representative Chris Danou says allowing on farm sales of raw,
unpasteurized milk could provide a new source of revenue for the state's hard pressed dairy farmers. "It allows the farmer essentially to capture some more of the retail dollar," says the Trempeleau Democrat. Danou says some consumers "are willing to
pay a premium" for raw milk.
Veto Message:The public health community has been nearly unanimous in their opposition to this proposal. I cannot ignore the potential harmful health effects of consuming unpasteurized milk that have been
raised by many groups.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 25-8-0 on Apr/15/10; Passed Assembly 60-35-4 on Apr/22/10; State Rep. Tom Nelson voted NO; Vetoed by Governor Jim Doyle on May/19/10
Source: Wisconsin Radio Network on Wisconsin SB 434 voting records
Apr 22, 2010
Tom Tiffany:
Badge of honor to be attacked by environmentalists
Tiffany led efforts to change Wisconsin's mining laws to encourage Gogebic Taconite to establish a massive open-pit sulfide mine in Wisconsin. Wisconsin needed to change state law to allow the company to obtain permits to launch the project.
Tiffany was among the voices in favor of the mine, which set off protests from environmental advocates. Tiffany called it a "badge of honor" to have been attacked by the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters. Tiffany has continued to champion mining.
Source: Wisconsin Public Radio (NPR) on WI-7 House race
May 7, 2020
Tommy Thompson:
Funded $170M in "conservation easement" land purchases
Stewardship Fund: Gov. Thompson created the innovative program in 1989 and he has used it to purchase the three largest land acquisitions in state history. The governor renews Wisconsin's environmental legacy by creating Stewardship 2000.
The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program leverages an additional $170 million in federal funding to bolster Stewardship 2000 through buying land easements to protect sensitive habitats and waters throughout the state.
Source: Wisconsin Governor's web site, "Budget"
Dec 25, 2000
Tommy Thompson:
Oppose UN's Agenda 21 sustainable development
Question 4. Will you work to prevent or reverse the entrenchment of Agenda 21 "sustainable development" strategies in the United States? [Note: "Agenda 21" is the United Nations plan that came out of the 1992 Rio Conference on Environment and
Development, which was signed by the United States without formal ratification]. Mark Neumann: Yes
Tommy Thompson: Yes
Source: 2012 Wisconsin Tea Party Senate Debate Questionnaire
Aug 13, 2012
Tommy Thompson:
Prevent invasive Asian Carp in Great Lakes
Other issues addressed in the debate included Asian Carp getting into the Great Lakes. Both candidates agreed they could not "tolerate or allow" Asian Carp to get into the Great Lakes.
Thompson said once that invasive species got into those lakes "there would be no turning back--they'd be here to stay."
Source: Madison Agri-View on 2012 Wisconsin Senate debates
Oct 4, 2012
Tony Evers:
More than $100M to take a three-pronged approach on PFAS
I'm proposing to invest more than $100 million to take a three-pronged approach to confront PFAS across our state. We're going to increase PFAS testing, sampling, and monitoring statewide so we can find these contaminants and get them out of our water.
We're going to make more resources available to on-the-ground partners to respond to PFAS contamination when it happens. And we're going to work to increase awareness about the dangers of PFAS so folks can take steps to keep safe.
Note from CDC.gov: The per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. Many PFAS are a concern because they:
- do not
break down in the environment,
- can move through soils and contaminate drinking water sources,
- build up (bioaccumulate) in fish and wildlife.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Wisconsin legislature
Jan 24, 2023
Tony Evers:
Republicans should release $125M funding to combat PFAS
PFAS are a real threat to our kids, families, and communities. These human-made chemicals can be toxic to humans and wildlife--and they've been used in everyday products for more than half a century. [PFAS: per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known
as "forever chemicals"]In Wisconsin, where we want to trust the water coming from our tap, PFAS are a threat to our way of life and our economy. It's why I directed $10 million into a new statewide program to help get contaminants like PFAS out of
our water supplies. And after five years of calling for legislative action, the Legislature and I both approved a $125 million investment to start tackling PFAs across our state.
[But that] $125 million investment to fight PFAS statewide is sitting in
Madison because Republicans refuse to release it. Republicans, please release this funding so we can get it out to the families, child care facilities, schools, businesses, and communities across our state who need it.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Wisconsin legislature
Jan 23, 2024
Tammy Baldwin:
Community projects to clean up the Mississippi River
Environment: Loosen or tighten environmental regulations?Tammy Baldwin (D): Tighten. Supported the Inflation Reduction Act to "preserve our way of life, economy, and wellbeing." Called for community projects to clean up
the Mississippi River. Worked to increase funding for Great Lakes restoration.
Eric Hovde (R): Loosen. Would roll back some environmental regulations to expand energy production and resource development.
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Wisconsin Senate race
Sep 9, 2024
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026