Governor Doyle Vetoes DNR Secretary Bill

Gov. Jim Doyle today vetoed AB 138, which would have removed the Governor’s authority to appoint the DNR Secretary and handed the authority to the Natural Resources Board. In his veto message, Gov. Doyle noted that the DNR Secretary is “an integral part of a Governor’s Cabinet, playing a regular and key role in interagency projects,” and that a Secretary appointed by the Governor “ensures a direct line of accountability for citizens concerned about the natural resources policy” of this state.

As we recently reported, it remains uncertain whether there will be enough enough votes (two-thirds majority) in each house to override the Governor’s veto.