Chance to Restore the WDNR's Intergity is Now
February 17, 2010
Background:
Wisconsin is home to a wealth of natural resources, spanning the Driftless Area bluffs to the shores of two of the Great Lakes. Responsibly managing these resources is a daunting task for the state Department of Natural Resources. Gov. Jim Doyle’s veto of Assembly Bill 138 has compounded these challenges.
AB 138 once again would have allowed the Natural Resources Board to appoint the DNR secretary. Instead, partisan politics will continue to grab power within the agency.
The public has grown doubtful of the DNR’s ability to manage the state’s resources because of the rise of political influence in recent years. Doyle’s veto guarantees that future governors also will be able to inject their political agendas into the DNR through the secretary.
Natural resources policy should not be allowed to sway with the political pendulum. The DNR always should represent science and reason in policy debates that affect natural resources.
Overriding Doyle’s veto of AB 138 will go a long way toward restoring the DNR’s integrity. [from a letter to the editor by Michael Kuhr]
Time for Action is NOW:
It is just one week away from when your state Representative will have a chance to override the Governors veto of the Independent DNR Secretary bill.
1. Call your state Representative (Who is yours? Find out here!). Ask them, "Will you vote to override the Governor's veto of AB 138?" Your representatives vote very well could be the one that determines whether Wisconsin will manage natural resources based on science or politics.
2. BE THERE on Tuesday, February 23rd. Thew Wisconsin League of Consveration Voters is hoping to pack the Capitol with conservationists on the day of the vote. Overriding a Governor is serious business and your presence will demonstrate that the issue is very seriously. Get more details here.
3. Contact Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters. Let them know how the conversation with your Representative went. Your reports back have helped them guide the campaign thus far.
