Issue Position: Environment

Issue Position

Outdoor recreation and conservation are ways of life in Wisconsin. Sportsmen know the value of protecting our waterways, wetlands and ecosystems. Parents want to know that the air, water and food consumed by their families are safe and clean. Today conservationists carry on the tradition of Aldo Leopold and other Wisconsin pioneers in the field. As your representative in Congress, I am committed to that ethic and strongly support efforts to protect our irreplaceable natural resources.

Clean Water:
The earth's water is one of our most precious resources. Nothing truly matters unless we have clean air to breathe and clean water to drink. We must take action to ensure that there is an adequate supply of drinking water for generations to come. Today, many Americans cannot safely drink their own tap water due to contamination. Many beaches are too polluted for swimming and many fish are so contaminated that they threaten human health.

The problem of mercury in our water is so severe that fish advisories exist for all fish in every lake and stream in Wisconsin. For humans, exposure to mercury can damage the function of the central nervous system and impair reproduction. High prenatal exposure can lead to cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities. I have authored legislation that would help prevent mercury found in household items from getting into our lakes and streams. The amount of mercury contained in just one household thermostat is enough to poison a 60-acre lakefront for one year.

I also am concerned about the presence of pharmaceuticals in our nation's waters. A recent Associated Press study found that pharmaceuticals have been detected in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans. In response to this troubling report, I authored legislation directing the (Environmental Protection Agency) EPA to conduct a study examining the presence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in our nation's drinking water supplies.

Additionally, I strongly oppose efforts to undermine the Clean Water Act and deny protection and cleanup for many waterways throughout the United States. Rather, I will continue to advocate for and support efforts to establish greater protections for our streams, lakes, wetlands, and other water resources.

Great Lakes:
The Great Lakes are a prized natural treasure of our entire nation, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they are protected. It is especially important that we preserve the biodiversity and the ecosystem of the Great Lakes.

Populations of plants and animals have been destroyed as a result of rapid reproduction rates and gross levels of consumption by invasive species such as the Asian Carp fish. This phenomenon threatens environmental sustainability and the creation of an imbalance in the Great Lakes ecosystem.

I am committed to enhancing environmental quality and economic development throughout the Great Lakes basin.

Invasive Species:
Invasive species pose a risk to native animal and plant species and can be a significant economic burden on communities and homeowners. In Wisconsin alone, we face the threat of the Emerald Ash Borer, VHS, Spiny Water Fleas, Hydrilla and several other invasive plants and animals. Left unchecked, these species can decimate native populations, upset ecological balances, and cause significant economic damage. I have long supported efforts to increase funding for research, control, and eradication of these species.

Wildlife Protection:
I am greatly concerned about the dwindling population of many species of wild animals. These animals are critical to the survival of our ecosystem. It is essential that we protect wildlife species for future generations.

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is critical legislation that protects our entire environment by preserving populations of endangered and threatened species. We must ensure that the ESA is fully funded and strongly enforced.

Wisconsin is home to several wildlife refuges, including the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, where many species of animals reside, including wolves, Karner blue butterflies, and white-tailed deer. It also is the location where there have been efforts to reintroduce the endangered whooping crane. Cranes are the most endangered family of birds in the world, with eleven of the world's fifteen species at risk of extinction. Industrial development, pollution, and encroachments on their natural habitat have all contributed to the shrinking crane population worldwide. In an effort to reintroduce a migratory flock into their historic range in the eastern United States, a recovery team used ultralight aircraft to train and lead the young cranes on their spectacular journey stretching from city to city and state to state.

I am the lead sponsor of the Crane Conservation Act, which would authorize up to $5 million per year to be distributed in the form of conservation project grants to protect cranes and the wetland and grassland ecosystems on which they depend. The measure would provide the means for the United States to fulfill various international obligations and commitments, thus having a large environmental and cultural impact across the globe. It also would bring people and governments around the world together to protect ecosystems, develop adequate habitats, and encourage overall goodwill.

Research and Funding:
In addition to the legislation that I have introduced, my work in Congress has included advocacy for important Wisconsin environmental projects, including the Badger Army Ammunition Plant, the Ice Age Trail, and the work of the Sand County Foundation.

Badger Army Ammunition Plant:
In 1942, the Badger Army Ammunition Plant (BAAP) was constructed in Sauk County, Wisconsin. The plant manufactured ammunition for the Army until it was closed in 1975. In 1998 the Army declared the property to be excess, and began the process to transfer it to other entities. Many communities, organizations and individuals expressed strong concern about the future of this extraordinary land.

The BAAP property is over 7,000 acres adjoining Devil's Lake State Park. Set in the beautiful Baraboo hills, the decision by the Army to convey the land presented a once in a lifetime opportunity to preserve the land for the use and enjoyment of future generations.

As decisions were being made on the future use of the property, I was committed to ensuring that the voices of thousands of local citizens were heard. In 1999, as a new Member of Congress, I secured a special federal grant of $100,000 to fund a facilitated process to find a community consensus. After countless hours of work by numerous concerned state and local government organizations, community leaders, environmental organizations, and concerned citizens, a consensus plan was developed. The plan is truly visionary--co-managing the land and restoring it for conservation and recreation.

Before the land can be conveyed, the Army has legal responsibility to ensure that environmental clean-up of parcels is complete. Since the Badger Reuse plan was developed the Army has made significant progress on fulfilling this obligation. Parcels have already been conveyed to the United States Department of Agriculture for its Dairy Forage Research Service and to the State of Wisconsin for management by the Department of Natural Resources. Transfers to the U.S. Department of Interior, in trust for the Ho Chunk Nation, are still pending. When complete the three entities that will own parts of the property will work together to make the vision of the Badger Reuse Committee a reality.

My work on this project will continue until that vision is realized.

Ice Age Trail:
The Ice Age Trail is a national treasure located in our backyard. It winds through 31 Wisconsin counties, tracing the edge of the furthest advance of the glacier that spread across the area 14,000 to 16,000 years ago. When complete, the trail will be a more than 1,000 mile-long continuous footpath.

I'm proud to be a strong advocate for the Ice Age Trail. This land holds immense scientific and cultural value, as well as natural beauty. It is land that we leave as a legacy for future generations. During my time in Congress, I have secured more than $20 million in federal funds for its development and preservation.

The Sand County Foundation:
Agricultural runoff can significantly pollute our lakes, rivers and streams. The Wisconsin-based Sand County Foundation works with farmers, using market-based incentives, to reduce nitrogen use and runoff. I was pleased to secure funding to support this important work that assists farmers and helps to protect our environment.

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