Issue Position: High Capacity Well and Groundwater Legislation

Issue Position

The League of Conservation Voters placed me on their Honor Roll in 2014 for my conservation advocacy work as a representative. One of my goals is to continue to live up to this standard in the upcoming session.

The environment and natural resources are huge parts of Central Wisconsin's culture and economy. In fact, paper product production and forestry in this area is a multi-billion dollar activity. Understanding that fact, we must work together to maintain the integrity of our natural resources and the natural beauty of Central Wisconsin.

High-capacity wells have the potential to reduce ground and surface water levels, causing a devastating impact on local ecosystems. I fought for granting the DNR more regulatory authority to in Sensitive Resource Areas where high-capacity wells are lowering groundwater levels and endangering local species. In the upcoming session, I am proposing more legislation to give the DNR what they need to reverse the effects of these wells.

A second related issue that I mean to address is the growing problem of aquatic invasive species in Central Wisconsin. There are more than 100 known aquatic invasive species in Wisconsin causing real problems for our native ecosystems. Last session, I worked on Assembly Bill 598 which would have given the DNR access to funding used to combat aquatic invasive species in area bodies of water. I am continuing my fight to restore our native environments in this upcoming session.

A third and final concern I must continue to address is the excess phosphorus in Central Wisconsin's lakes and streams. The element is a pollutant responsible for high plant and algae growth in Wisconsin bodies of water, which can not only negatively affect the local economy with less recreational traffic on lakes and streams, but it can also be dangerous for public health. I fought for Assembly Bill 825, which sought to designate funding to reduce phosphorus levels in the Wisconsin River. I will continue to make strides to see legislation pass improving Central Wisconsin's groundwater.

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