Sign On Letters & Statements

Amplifying Our Collective Voice

Support, Commentary, Statements, & Testimony to Drive Better Policy

As one of the largest, most active watershed conservation organizations in Wisconsin, we actively use our voice on a local, state, and federal level to:

  • Support policy positions
  • Increase pressure on lawmakers
  • Draw attention to key issues
  • Secure funding for key projects
MRK team participating in advocacy for water pollution, health, access, and infrastructure
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With our network of subject matter experts, conservationists, and advocates, we draft, sign, send, and support a wide range of advocacy initiatives. These communications fall into two categories:

Official Statements from Milwaukee Riverkeeper:

Official language and commentary directly from the Milwaukee Riverkeeper group.

  • Official MRK Statements
    documentation prepared for our local and state governments to draw attention to municipal issues and needs.
  • Official MRK Comment Letters
    a document sharing MRK’s official standing on key issues used to help drive decision-making and shape public opinion.
  • Official MRK Testimony
    official statements by MRK and MRK representatives made in court to support policy and law updates.

Collaborative Sign-On Letters

Official communication drafted by our partner organizations that Milwaukee Riverkeeper signs on to, in order to publicly express our unified support for a specific policy or cause.

  • Petition
    a document signed by a group of people to formally request an action on a specific issue from decision-makers
  • Letters of Support
    an official statement by MRK expressing backing for a project or cause being spearheaded by another organization or entity.
  • Request Letters
    an official request in letter form asking the government, individual, or body to take a specific action

Our Key Priorities

Making Change Across Five Key Pillars

We focus our efforts on the needs of the communities and the waters we serve. Because everything that happens upstream eventually makes its way downstream, we work with a wide network of advocates to address issues early, draw public awareness, and identify possible solutions. These pillars include:

Pollution & Public Health

Pollution & Public Health

Pollution and public health are deeply interconnected with the health of our waterways, as clean, fresh water is essential for survival. However, historically marginalized and intentionally excluded communities often face the greatest impacts of pollution, making its prevention not just an environmental issue, but a matter of justice and equity.

Infrastructure & Climate Resiliency

Infrastructure & Climate Resiliency

Helping communities prepare for extreme weather and flooding is essential to protecting healthy waterways. By improving stormwater, drinking water, and wastewater systems—such as storm drains and green infrastructure—we can enhance water quality, promote environmental justice, and safeguard public health.

Safe & Equal Access

Safe & Equal Access

Clean water and healthy ecosystems depend on community involvement. Ensuring safe, equitable access helps build a stronger, more engaged public, leading to better-informed policies, community-driven projects, and a stronger cultural connection to water conservation.

Healthy Habitats & Ecosystems

Healthy Habitats & Ecosystems

A river is only as healthy as the ecosystems that support it. Protecting and restoring habitats like forests, wetlands, riverbanks, and aquatic (underwater) ecosystems—ensures clean water, biodiversity, flood resilience, and long-term river health.

Great Lakes Preservation

Great Lakes Preservation

The health of local rivers, streams, and wetlands is directly tied to the health of Lake Michigan and the entire Great Lakes system. Protecting and restoring the Great Lakes means safeguarding the health of local rivers, ensuring clean drinking water, supporting communities, and preserving ecosystems for future generations.

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Key:

Government Reach:
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Federal

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State

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Local

Key:

Government Reach:
Icon showing the shape of the United States of America placed on a blue circle

Federal

Icon showing the shape of Wisconsin placed on a light green circle

State

Icon of a house placed on a pink circle

Local

Pollution & Public Health

Pollution & Public Health

2025

Target: Wisconsin Natural Resources Board

 PFAS Groundwater Standard Rulemaking Scope

Testimony in support of the Wisconsin DNR’s proposed groundwater standards for six PFAS chemicals (PFOA, PFOS, PFBS, PFNA, PFHxS, and GenX). PFAS contamination poses serious risks to public health, wildlife, and water quality, accumulating in human tissue and linking to cancers and autoimmune diseases. Despite scientific consensus on the dangers of PFAS, Wisconsin has failed to pass these groundwater standards in two previous attempts. With a significant portion of the state relying on groundwater for drinking water, establishing state-level regulations is critical, as no federal standards currently exist. PFAS pollution has already impacted water supplies in Milwaukee, West Bend, and other areas, with contamination spreading from industrial sites and firefighting foam usage.

View Testimony

Target: Towns of Plymouth, Lyndon, Mitchell & Sheboygan County

Responding to (ATC Application to Construct a New Transmission Line)

American Transmission Company’s (ATC) proposed Plymouth Electrical Reliability Project is concerning due to potential impacts on Nichols Creek, the North Branch of the Milwaukee River, and surrounding wetlands, floodplains, and forests. The justification for the project lacks transparency, with limited consideration of alternative routes or renewable energy options despite available federal funding. The project threatens coldwater streams, designated Outstanding Resource Waters, and critical habitats by removing significant forested areas, increasing water temperatures, and affecting floodplain integrity. Additionally, construction poses risks to endangered species, state-protected wildlife, and sensitive wetland ecosystems.

View Letter

2024

Target: Wisconsin Dept of Natural Resources

Responding to (WIPDES Permit Application)

Milwaukee Riverkeeper is concerned about the environmental impacts of Rob-N-Cin Farms’ planned expansion to over 2,500 animal units by 2028, significantly increasing manure and wastewater production. The farm lacks the required manure storage capacity, raising concerns about runoff pollution affecting local rivers, wetlands, and groundwater. Additionally, Rob-N-Cin Farms has allegedly been operating as a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) without proper permits for at least two years, violating Clean Water Act regulations. This noncompliance has denied residents the opportunity to weigh in on the expansion’s effects, setting a troubling precedent for unregulated farm growth that could threaten water quality and public health.

View Letter

Target: Wisconsin Legislature

Responding to (FY24 Budget Surplus)

Without statewide investments, water utilities will either need to delay needed upgrades that leave families vulnerable to contamination, or substantially raise water rates to cover costs. This could make it even harder for Wisconsin families to pay their utility bills, a particularly concerning prospect when those same families are the ones facing contamination-related health costs. Using the $4 billion surplus, we urge you to make a substantive investment in our drinking water infrastructure.

View Letter

Target: US EPA

Petition to Government (Pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (“APA”), 5 U.S.C. §§ 553I and 555I)

A legal petition was submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), calling on the agency to monitor for the presence of microplastics in drinking water under specific provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The petition was filed by the national advocacy organization Food & Water Watch and co-signed by 175 groups across the county, including Milwaukee Riverkeeper.

View Petition

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Infrastructure & Climate

Infrastructure & Climate

2025

Target: Towns of Plymouth, Lyndon, Mitchell & Sheboygan County

Responding to (ATC Application to Construct a New Transmission Line)

American Transmission Company’s (ATC) proposed Plymouth Electrical Reliability Project is concerning due to potential impacts on Nichols Creek, the North Branch of the Milwaukee River, and surrounding wetlands, floodplains, and forests. The justification for the project lacks transparency, with limited consideration of alternative routes or renewable energy options despite available federal funding. The project threatens coldwater streams, designated Outstanding Resource Waters, and critical habitats by removing significant forested areas, increasing water temperatures, and affecting floodplain integrity. Additionally, construction poses risks to endangered species, state-protected wildlife, and sensitive wetland ecosystems.

View Letter

Target: Wisconsin Natural Resources Board

Responding to:  PFAS Groundwater Standard Rulemaking Scope

Testimony in support of the Wisconsin DNR’s proposed groundwater standards for six PFAS chemicals (PFOA, PFOS, PFBS, PFNA, PFHxS, and GenX). PFAS contamination poses serious risks to public health, wildlife, and water quality, accumulating in human tissue and linking to cancers and autoimmune diseases. Despite scientific consensus on the dangers of PFAS, Wisconsin has failed to pass these groundwater standards in two previous attempts. With a significant portion of the state relying on groundwater for drinking water, establishing state-level regulations is critical, as no federal standards currently exist. PFAS pollution has already impacted water supplies in Milwaukee, West Bend, and other areas, with contamination spreading from industrial sites and firefighting foam usage.

 View Testimony

2024

Target: Wisconsin Dept of Natural Resources

Responding to (WIPDES Permit Application)

Milwaukee Riverkeeper is concerned about the environmental impacts of Rob-N-Cin Farms’ planned expansion to over 2,500 animal units by 2028, significantly increasing manure and wastewater production. The farm lacks the required manure storage capacity, raising concerns about runoff pollution affecting local rivers, wetlands, and groundwater. Additionally, Rob-N-Cin Farms has allegedly been operating as a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) without proper permits for at least two years, violating Clean Water Act regulations. This noncompliance has denied residents the opportunity to weigh in on the expansion’s effects, setting a troubling precedent for unregulated farm growth that could threaten water quality and public health.

View Letter

Target: President Biden

Responding to: Lake Oahe Easement

190 groups urge the US Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) to deny the Lake Oahe easement, permanently shut down the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), and leave the piping in place in alignment with federal law. The Dakota Access Pipeline violates the Clean Water Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie, and Indigenous sovereignty.

View Letter

Target: Wisconsin Legislature

Responding to (FY24 Budget Surplus)

Without statewide investments, water utilities will either need to delay needed upgrades that leave families vulnerable to contamination, or substantially raise water rates to cover costs. This could make it even harder for Wisconsin families to pay their utility bills, a particularly concerning prospect when those same families are the ones facing contamination-related health costs. Using the $4 billion surplus, we urge you to make a substantive investment in our drinking water infrastructure.

View Letter

Target: President Biden & US Army Corps of Engineers

Responding to: MVP-2020-00260-WMS

“Line 5 poses catastrophic risks to the Treaty protected lands, pristine natural areas, valuable freshwater sources (including 400 rivers, streams, and wetlands), and farmland that it cuts through. The pipeline – which is decades past its lifespan – is currently pumping 23 million gallons of crude oil and natural gas liquids daily, illegally in trespass. Despite the Bad River Band’s direction that Enbridge remove Line 5 from their reservation and the Bad River Watershed, Enbridge has moved forward with an invasive reroute project just outside of the reservation’s borders.”

View Proposal

Target: US EPA Administrator Michael Regan

Legislation: Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OW-2022-0678-0001

“We recommend that the U.S. EPA strengthen its proposed regulation with better protections for local governance and oversight, require earlier and guaranteed public engagement, and add affordability standards and safeguards. The following comments reflect our commitment to uplift the inequities and injustices experienced by communities when their voices go unheard and unheeded.”

View Comment

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Equal and Safe Access

Equal & Safe Access

2025

Target: Towns of Plymouth, Lyndon, Mitchell & Sheboygan County

Responding to (ATC Application to Construct a New Transmission Line)

American Transmission Company’s (ATC) proposed Plymouth Electrical Reliability Project is concerning due to potential impacts on Nichols Creek, the North Branch of the Milwaukee River, and surrounding wetlands, floodplains, and forests. The justification for the project lacks transparency, with limited consideration of alternative routes or renewable energy options despite available federal funding. The project threatens coldwater streams, designated Outstanding Resource Waters, and critical habitats by removing significant forested areas, increasing water temperatures, and affecting floodplain integrity. Additionally, construction poses risks to endangered species, state-protected wildlife, and sensitive wetland ecosystems.

View Letter

2024

Target: U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

Responding to: Bill H.R. 8916

We strongly oppose the Clean Water SRF Parity Act, which would allow for-profit water corporations to access the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and take federal funding away from local government wastewater systems. This legislation would allow large for-profit corporations to access the $12.7 billion in funding to the CWSRF from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and funding from any future increases to the program.

Read More

Target: President Biden & US Army Corps of Engineers

Responding to: MVP-2020-00260-WMS

“Line 5 poses catastrophic risks to the Treaty protected lands, pristine natural areas, valuable freshwater sources (including 400 rivers, streams, and wetlands), and farmland that it cuts through. The pipeline – which is decades past its lifespan – is currently pumping 23 million gallons of crude oil and natural gas liquids daily, illegally in trespass. Despite the Bad River Band’s direction that Enbridge remove Line 5 from their reservation and the Bad River Watershed, Enbridge has moved forward with an invasive reroute project just outside of the reservation’s borders.”

View Proposal

Target: US House & Senate Appropriations Committee

Responding to: Appropriations Bill FY 2025

“On behalf of our members representing thousands of communities across the country, climate experts, and the larger environmental and climate justice movement, we strongly urge you to oppose this dangerous bill that has tacked on more than 80 highly political, poison-pill policy riders, that will only exacerbate rather than improve the climate crisis and environmental injustice.”

View Letter

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Healthy Habitats & Ecosystems

Healthy Habitats & Ecosystems

2025

Target: Towns of Plymouth, Lyndon, Mitchell & Sheboygan County

Responding to (ATC Application to Construct a New Transmission Line)

American Transmission Company’s (ATC) proposed Plymouth Electrical Reliability Project is concerning due to potential impacts on Nichols Creek, the North Branch of the Milwaukee River, and surrounding wetlands, floodplains, and forests. The justification for the project lacks transparency, with limited consideration of alternative routes or renewable energy options despite available federal funding. The project threatens coldwater streams, designated Outstanding Resource Waters, and critical habitats by removing significant forested areas, increasing water temperatures, and affecting floodplain integrity. Additionally, construction poses risks to endangered species, state-protected wildlife, and sensitive wetland ecosystems.

View Letter

Target: Wisconsin Dept of Natural Resources

Responding to (WIPDES Permit Application)

Milwaukee Riverkeeper is concerned about the environmental impacts of Rob-N-Cin Farms’ planned expansion to over 2,500 animal units by 2028, significantly increasing manure and wastewater production. The farm lacks the required manure storage capacity, raising concerns about runoff pollution affecting local rivers, wetlands, and groundwater. Additionally, Rob-N-Cin Farms has allegedly been operating as a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) without proper permits for at least two years, violating Clean Water Act regulations. This noncompliance has denied residents the opportunity to weigh in on the expansion’s effects, setting a troubling precedent for unregulated farm growth that could threaten water quality and public health.

View Letter

Divider Wave
Great Lakes Preservation

Great Lakes Preservation

2024

Target: President Biden & US Army Corps of Engineers

Responding to: MVP-2020-00260-WMS

“Line 5 poses catastrophic risks to the Treaty protected lands, pristine natural areas, valuable freshwater sources (including 400 rivers, streams, and wetlands), and farmland that it cuts through. The pipeline – which is decades past its lifespan – is currently pumping 23 million gallons of crude oil and natural gas liquids daily, illegally in trespass. Despite the Bad River Band’s direction that Enbridge remove Line 5 from their reservation and the Bad River Watershed, Enbridge has moved forward with an invasive reroute project just outside of the reservation’s borders.”

View Proposal

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