Wisconsin DNR Board Entered New Phase Wednesday

Friday, January 27th, 2023 -- 11:01 AM

(AP, Wisconsin Public Radio) The board that regulates Wisconsin's natural resources entered a new phase Wednesday, meeting for the first time with a majority of members appointed by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers after months of stonewalling by a Republican who refused to step down.

Evers' new appointee as Department of Natural Resources secretary, Adam Payne, presided over his first meeting and declared that his top priority will be water quality. He praised Evers for proposing $100 million more to fight PFAS contamination during the State of the State address Tuesday.

That money is far from locked in; however, Republican lawmakers would have to approve it first. PFAS, or short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made chemicals used widely in consumer products and certain types of firefighting foam.

The chemicals don't break down in the natural world and accumulate and linger in the human body for long periods. Exposure may lead to cancer and other health problems. A host of Wisconsin communities have discovered the chemicals in their groundwater.

Payne warned that the agency won't make everyone happy but will listen to everyone. "I think this is a strong board and will only be stronger as we move forward," Payne said. The governor appoints the DNR's secretary as well as the members of the board that signs off on the agency's moves.

Evers hasn't had full control of the board since he first took office in 2019 thanks to leftover Republican appointees finishing their terms. Board members serve seven-year staggered terms.

His appointees were finally poised to gain a majority in May 2021 when Republican appointee Fred Prehn's term expired. But Prehn refused to step down and make way for Evers appointee Sandra Naas, preserving a 4-3 Republican advantage on the board.

Prehn went on to cast deciding votes to expand the wolf hunt quota and kill proposed limits on PFAS in groundwater, much to the chagrin of wildlife conservationists and environmentalists. Prehn's presence visibly frustrated then-DNR Secretary Preston Cole, who stepped down in November.

Prehn finally resigned this past December. Fellow Republican appointee William Bruins quit as well, giving Evers appointees a 5-2 advantage on the board. Evers tapped Payne, who was serving as the Sheboygan County administrator, to replace Cole as secretary earlier this month.

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