Environmental and Conservation Groups Optimistic About Changes to State Natural Resources Board

Tuesday, January 17th, 2023 -- 10:01 AM

(By Danielle Kaeding, Wisconsin Public Radio) Environmental and conservation groups say they’re optimistic about changes to the board that oversees natural resources policy in Wisconsin after two members recently resigned, including its controversial former chair.

According to Danielle Kaeding with Wisconsin Public Radio, Bill Bruins and former chair Fred Prehn resigned from the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board at the end of last month, ending its conservative majority and allowing Gov. Tony Evers’ appointees to sit on the board.

Former Republican Gov. Scott Walker appointed both to six-year terms, but Prehn ignited controversy after refusing to step down when his term ended in May 2021. While Prehn claimed the move wasn’t political, texts showed he sought advice from conservative lobbyists, lawmakers, Walker and former Republican candidate for governor Rebecca Kleefisch about his decision to remain.

Scott Laeser, water program director for Clean Wisconsin, said the environmental group believes the board’s new makeup will make a difference in addressing policy issues like regulations for PFAS and nitrates in groundwater.

"We watched things like PFAS groundwater standards get rejected by the old board just about a year ago," Laeser said. "We're optimistic that the DNR will be able to revisit and redouble efforts to move forward sensible public health protections as a consequence of the turnover on the board."

While those standards failed to pass in February, the board unanimously approved restarting the process to craft regulations for the harmful forever chemicals last month. PFAS regulations have been among the most prominent debates before the policy-setting board for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, which have been influenced by special interests.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel previously reported that emails showed Prehn's suggested changes to regulating PFAS in firefighting foam had originally been drafted by the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce.

The state’s business lobby and industry groups have voiced concerns that PFAS regulations are too costly and questioned the science behind the state’s recommended groundwater standards.

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