Lt. Governor Lawton Statement on Assembly Passage of Independent DNR Secretary Bill

Lawton Says Independent Secretary Will Insulate Conservation
Decisions from Politics

Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton

Madison, WI – Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton released the following statement following the passage of AB 138 by the State Assembly:

“I commend my colleagues in the State Assembly for passing AB 138, a solidly bipartisan bill that works to depoliticize decision-making in the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) by restoring authority to appoint the DNR secretary to the DNR Board.

Today, with global climate change a reality, and the need to increase energy efficiency urgent to both improve the economy and reduce global warming pollution, we need now more than ever a non-partisan, independent DNR guided by the smartest citizen board Wisconsin can provide.

Under Wisconsin’s current system of gubernatorial appointment, decisions regarding the conservation of Wisconsin’s natural resources are subject to changing political objectives. AB 138 ensures that Wisconsin’s brightest, most knowledgeable experts have the authority to make conservation decisions based on scientific research rather than politics. As Milwaukee explores how it will become the world’s center for fresh water research and technology; as scientists at UW-Superior explore cutting-edge technology that will turn indigenous plants into fuel sources; and as our manufacturing sector innovates to create jobs and products to meet the demands of a green economy, their success and credibility is profoundly attached to the integrity of the DNR. I urge my colleagues in the State Senate to quickly follow suit and pass this important bill.”

Lt. Governor Lawton has consistently supported efforts to restore DNR secretary appointment authority to the Natural Resources Board. On August 13, 2009,  she testified in support of the bill before the Senate Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources.

Posted @ 2:15 a.m.