Larson Report - October 27, 2011

WI Senator Chris Larson, 7th District

Republicans Prioritize Polluters Over People

The Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Environment, of which I am a member, held a public hearing this past Wednesday on legislation that will prioritize polluters over people by undoing important environmental protections that keep our air clean and our water safe for drinking and recreation.

Over 200 citizens came to testify that maintaining Wisconsin's strong commitment to stewardship is vital to our state's economic well-being and health. The success of many of our state's businesses, including those in agriculture and tourism, heavily rely on the vitality of our natural resources. Protecting our water supply and air quality are also important to safeguard the health of our families. Without adequate protections, our families will be left vulnerable to illnesses caused by harmful contaminants.

If passed, Special Session Senate Bill 24 would have a detrimental impact on communities across Wisconsin. Below is a list of some of the most egregious offenses found in this legislation that threaten our natural resources and families:

-- Ties the hands of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) by not allowing follow-up requests for information from permit applicants
-- Encourages DNR permit applicants to submit incomplete or false information since DNR is restricted
-- Gives DNR the authority to issue permits without a public hearing and also eliminates most newspaper pubic notices
-- Undermines the recent Lake Beulah Supreme Court decision on groundwater protections by giving automatic approval of high capacity wells despite possible concerns, including over-pumping and competing users
-- Removes air quality protections, such as requiring industries to model their expected air quality impact to ensure the health of neighbors is not adversely impacted by pollutants they produce

Wisconsin has a long tradition of protecting our natural resources, as they are not just a part of our landscape, but a part of who we are as stewards of this great state. We should be working to pass legislation that protects the health of our families, communities and businesses rather than undoing that which safeguards Wisconsin's precious lands and valuable natural resources for today and tomorrow.

To view a copy of Special Session Senate Bill 24, please CLICK HERE.
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Protecting Our Water Quality
The Great Lakes Caucus met earlier this week to discuss issues of importance to communities like ours that border the great lakes. Some of the issues that were discussed included restoring the Kinnickinnic River, invasive species, and reducing mercury contamination. For more information about the Great Lakes, please CLICK HERE to visit the Wisconsin DNR's Web site.

I also had the opportunity to tour the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD), which provides water reclamation and flood management services for about 1.1 million customers in 28 communities in the Greater Milwaukee Area. I appreciate being able to learn more about our local MMSD and their efforts to preserve our environment and protect our drinking water. CLICK HERE for additional information about MMSD.
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See You in the Neighborhood
I created a new survey that I will be distributing to neighbors asking them about various issues that are important to them, our community and our state. I have started distributing the survey door-to-door throughout our community and will continue doing so for about the next month. To return the survey, simply fold it, tape it, and put a stamp on it.

CLICK HERE to download and print a copy of this survey, which you can return to my office via mail, email or fax upon completion. I will also be putting an electronic copy of this survey on my Web site within the next week.

I look forward to hearing your views on these important issues. Hope to see you in the neighborhood soon!
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Know Your Voting Rights
Scott Walker and Republican legislators recently enacted some of the most restrictive ID requirements for voters in the country. While they have been working to silence Wisconsin's voters, I have been working hard to keep Wisconsin's voters informed of their rights. I have created a simple handout answering some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding Wisconsin's new voter restrictions.

To view this handout please CLICK HERE or visit my Web site, SenatorChrisLarson.com. You can also CLICK HERE to view the same PDF in Spanish.

November 2, 2011 - Back Story