With the impending election this November 8, The Sierra Club is working to inform Wisconsin about our endorsed candidates and their stances on the environment. Over the coming weeks we will continue to provide information about candidates from across the state in order to inform voters of what these candidates’ pledge to do to help the environment. Wisconsin faces important issues involving water, air and energy; all of which can be helped by proactive leadership and legislation, making it essential to have people in our state government that will work to address these concerns.
Lynn Utesch, D-Kewaunee (AD 1)
“Water is a basic human right. Clean, abundant water must be accessible for all citizens in the 1st Assembly District, and safeguards and protections must be put into place to secure that right. Citizens have been told not to bathe or drink their water. Our water has been referenced by a USDA researcher as water comparable to what he would expect to find “in a third world country”. The dead zone in the Bay of Green Bay shows areas that have extended into the Door County. These zones are devoid of oxygen, contain algae plumes, and harm not only water quality but wildlife that depends on these areas for survival.”
Tony Lee, D-Green Bay (AD 4)
“The WI Republican administration, definitely has put profits above protecting our environment on numerous occasions. We need healthy land for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. We need our healthy lakes and streams for fishing and swimming. We need our clean air and drinking water to help keep us healthy. Actions speak louder than words. It's clear that keeping big businesses happy is more important to Rep. Steffen than keeping our environment healthy.”
Rebecca Clarke, D-Sheboygan (AD 26)
“Over the past 6 years, we have seen numerous attacks on our natural resources in the name of being “open for business”. This goes directly against WI’s Public Trust Doctrine and decades of our strong conservation ethic. In the long term, much of the recent legislation could have devastating impacts on important industries like Great Lakes fisheries, deer hunting, tourism, and agriculture. Kathy Stepp, the current DNR Secretary, had this to say at a recent listening session regarding clean air and water: ‘Well, the last time I checked, they don’t pay taxes and they don’t sign our paychecks.’ It is time for a change.”
Nanette Bulebosh, D-Elkhart Lake (AD 27)
“We must retain local control of our natural resources. Republican actions threaten to undermine local officials’ ability to protect the shores of our lakes, enforce zoning laws that limit harmful sand mining, and protect their local water sources. We need to stop those who want to sell off our state parks and other public lands to the highest bidder. We need to fully explore how frac sand mining is impacting our environment and, more than anything else, we need to thoughtfully manage our water usage. It is the government’s job to ensure that all citizens have equal access to clean water, and that the benefits to a few don’t outweigh the needs of the many.”
Jeff Peterson, D-Luck (AD 28)
“As a member of the Assembly I will push for a renewed commitment to homegrown energy sources including wind and solar. These are the energy sources of the future and Wisconsin should be leading the effort to build an economy based on clean energy jobs and manufacturing. I will work to move Wisconsin toward energy independence while also making renewable energy options more available to businesses and homeowners. Utilities that are heavily invested in imported fuels should not be allowed to dictate our energy policy.”
After reading the stances of our endorsed candidates in these districts, we know you will be able to make an informed decision regarding their commitments to protect our environment. As a nonpartisan organization, we strive to provide information in order to educate people about the challenges facing Wisconsin’s environment. The current majority in the legislature has proven it favors polluting industry over public health, wildlife and habitat, so this November it is time to elect environmentally conscious candidates who will protect our state’s residents and natural resources.
This blog was compiled by Jake Levicki, a student at UW-Whitewater and a Chapter Political Intern.