The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) formally submitted their agency budget request to Governor Walker on September 15, 2016. Overall, DNR’s all funds budget for the 2017-19 biennium is 2.1 percent less than the 2016-17 fiscal year base doubled. This amounts to about $23.4 million less funding over the biennium. DNR’s all funds budget […]
EPA will Inspect Wisconsin DNR records
Date Mon, Sep. 26, 2016 - 9:22am By Hamilton
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will send federal regulators to Madison to inspect Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) records in October. EPA personnel will investigate DNR files in response to an October 2015 petition by Midwest Environmental Advocates and a group of Wisconsin citizens. The petition claims that DNR officials have not adequately implemented […]
AG Opinion Drives DNR to Act on High Capacity Well Permit Applications
Date Fri, Jun. 17, 2016 - 10:09am By Hamilton
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently announced that when reviewing high capacity well permit applications it will limit its review to the criteria set forth in the statutes. DNR cites Attorney General Brad Schimel’s May 10, 2016, formal opinion finding that DNR lacks authority to require cumulative impact analysis as a condition to granting a well […]
AG Opinion Validates Act 21 Limits on Agency Authority
Date Fri, May. 27, 2016 - 10:21am By Hamilton
On May 10, 2016, Attorney General Brad Schimel issued a formal opinion finding that 2011 WI Act 21 requires explicit delegation of authorities to agencies, making it clear that regulatory mandates may no longer arise from implied authority. Whether enacting rules, imposing permit conditions, or exercising public trust authority, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) […]
AG Schimel Sues EPA over New Ozone Standard
Date Fri, May. 6, 2016 - 9:03am By Hamilton
Wisconsin joined a coalition of states and industry groups challenging EPA’s new ozone standard. The new standard was released on October 26, 2015, and lowers the ozone standard to 70 parts per billion (ppb). The states filed their brief in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia on April 22, 2016. […]
High Capacity Well Legislation Dies
Date Wed, Mar. 16, 2016 - 9:49am By Hamilton
On the last night of session, the Senate took up and passed Senate Bill 239, guaranteeing the death of high capacity well legislation this session. Last month, the Assembly passed its companion, Assembly Bill 874, as adopted by amendments. This week, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Small Business, and Tourism, passed SB 239 and adopted […]
Legislation to Allow Out-of-State Companies to Purchase Water & Sewer Utilities Dies in Senate
Date Wed, Mar. 16, 2016 - 9:26am By Hamilton
Introduced by Representative Tyler August (R-Lake Geneva) and Senator Frank Lasee (R-De Pere) in December, Assembly Bill 554/Senate Bill 432 would have created a new process for out-of-state utility companies to purchase or lease water or sewer utilities in Wisconsin. The Assembly passed AB 554 on a voice vote in January. The Senate Committee on […]
New Review of Water Quality Standards Legislation Signed by Governor
Date Thu, Mar. 3, 2016 - 6:36pm By Hamilton
2015 Wisconsin Act 205 modifies the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) multi-discharger variance program to meet the new federal requirements. Act 205 creates a new procedure for when variances must be reviewed. This includes a three-year review standard and a highest attainable review. Under the new law, every three years, DNR must review the water […]
DNR Continues to Move Toward Reorganization of Agency
Date Thu, Mar. 3, 2016 - 6:12pm By Hamilton
The Department of Natural Resources is finalizing a plan to reorganize portions the agency, in order manage dwindling staff levels and improve the quality of the DNR’s work with citizens. The DNR originally announced its plan to reorganize in July 2015. During a recent announcement to DNR employees, Deputy Secretary Kurt Thiede announced the final […]
PSC Reform Bill Passes Assembly
Date Fri, Feb. 19, 2016 - 10:40am By Hamilton
Legislation to reform many of the regulatory processes at the Public Service Commission (PSC) passed the Assembly, and is available for scheduling in the Senate. The legislation, Assembly Bill 804 and Senate Bill 654, was introduced by Rep. Mike Kuglitsch (R-New Berlin) and Sen. Roger Roth (R-Appleton), but was developed by the Public Service Commission […]