• Home
  • News
    • Politics / Govt
    • Legislature
    • Crime / Courts
    • Health / Medicine
    • Archives
  • Sports
    • Badgers
    • Packers
      • Titletown Report
    • Brewers
  • Contact Us
    • Reporters
  • Affiliates
    • Affiliate Support

Wisconsin Radio Network

Wisconsin News and Sports

You are here: Home / Environment / Conservation / Wetland permit changes approved

Wetland permit changes approved

February 22, 2012 By Andrew Beckett

The state Assembly has signed off on a controversial bill that makes changes to the permitting process for construction on Wisconsin’s wetland areas. The bill creates a two-tier permitting system, allowing a closer review for more complex projects and giving developers an option to offset the loss of those areas.

State Representative Brett Hulsey (D-Madison) argued against the changes. He noted “the typical acre of wetlands will store over a million gallons of floodwater,” and filling it in will just result in homes being damaged by floods later on.

Hulsey urged lawmakers to “stop kicking flood victims in the teeth every chance you get.”

Baraboo Democrat Fred Clark argued there’s nothing wrong with the state’s current process for approving construction on wetlands, noting the DNR already approves nearly 93 percent of the permits it receives within a month. He says the bill just sets up the agency to be rushed to approve contracts based on little evidence and with no regard for the public interest.

Despite a contentious debate in the Senate last week, the Assembly passed the measure quickly Tuesday with a voice vote. The bill now heads to Governor Walker, who has said he plans to sign it.

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:01)

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: Environment / Conservation, Legislature, News



Featured Stories

Wisconsin veterans cheer passage of PACT Act

Lasry leaves U.S. Senate race and endorses Barnes

Trump will host Waukesha campaign rally for Tim Michels

U.S. House passes Respect for Marriage Act

Former UW Chancellor Blank’s cancer diagnosis means she will not take Northwestern job

TwitterFacebook

Sports Headlines

Giannis breaks franchise scoring record, Bucks beat Nets in OT

Wisconsin’s Davis declares for NBA Draft

Badgers to face Arizona State in Las Vegas Bowl

Williams likely out for the season with broken hand

Packers releasing TE Jace Sternberger

More Sports

Tweets by @WRN

Get our news delivered to your inbox:

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Copyright © 2022 · Learfield News & Ag, LLC