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This spring, our legislature passed Act 118 (AKA Job
Creation Act), a policy that rolled back decades of progress in
protecting Wisconsin's
streams, lakes, and associated wetlands. Under Act 118, thousands of
potentially damaging projects could be exempted from regulation or
covered under general permits. Act 118 undermines the democratic process
as these projects can now go forward without providing public notice or
opportunity for public input.
In an
attempt to minimize the impact of this law on our waters, the DNR
recently adopted emergency rules for implementing Act 118. Three weeks
ago the Legislature's Joint Committee to Review Administrative Rules
(JCRAR) suspended portions of the "emergency rules" that had
been in place. The JCRAR felt some of the emergency rules went too far in
requiring DNR permit review of construction and building projects.
The
emergency rules that remain only last for one year, so the DNR is now
holding a series of hearings to gather public comments on the permanent
rules. The passage of Act 118 began an era of general water permits in Wisconsin.
Supporting good permanent rules is our best chance to minimize the
impacts of Act 118 on protection of our water resources.
Wisconsin
citizens have the opportunity to voice support of policies that will
ensure protections for Wisconsin's
waters. Our voices are especially important since those in favor of
reducing environmental protections are placing substantial pressure on
decision makers. Please consider submitting a letter or attending a
public hearing to make your voice heard.
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