This past April, the Wisconsin Conservation Congress held its spring hearing entirely online for the first time ever. Even without the in-person county meetings, Wisconsinites came out in force to voice their opinions on our environmental future. This year, there were a record-breaking 64,943 participants! All of our introduced resolutions passed overwhelmingly. Overall, the questionnaire results prove that Wisconsin favors clean water and clean energy.
We introduced three resolutions to the hearing this year, which were on the questionnaire in a total of 12 counties across the state. Each one received a majority of votes. As a reminder, resolutions need to be individually introduced into each county to be voted on. For a refresher on our resolutions and our other official positions on this year’s spring hearing, see our previous blog here.
There were three questions or resolutions on the survey this year that measured citizen support for fossil fuel projects. The results of these notably show that Wisconsinites do NOT want more projects that put our water sources at risk.
Two of our resolutions addressed this issue, and both were strongly supported. Our first resolution highlighted the dangers, particularly to water sources, of the proposed NTEC fracked gas plant, and asked the DNR to deny water permits for the project. This resolution passed in all five of the counties where it was introduced. Overall, it received 75.74% of votes. Our second resolution spoke to the dangers of Line 5, particularly its proposed expansion. The resolution encouraged the DNR and WI Natural Resources Board to stop the expansion and altogether decommission the pipeline. This resolution was on the questionnaire in 10 counties and passed in 9 of them, receiving 67.36% of the vote overall.
Question 28 on the survey, voted on in every county, also addressed the impact of another new fossil fuel project. It discussed the Back 40 mine and whether the DNR should do an environmental review of the project. Citizens across the state opposed the project. This question passed in every single county and with 63% of votes overall.
In highlighting the impacts of these projects, especially their threats to our natural resources and important cultural sites, Wisconsinites understand the danger. Citizens want their water to be protected and these projects to be stopped. We hope the DNR takes note.
We also introduced a third resolution, which asked the DNR to accept the Every Kid Outdoor Pass at Wisconsin State Parks. This would allow fourth graders and their families to have free access to state parks. It also passed overwhelmingly in all seven counties where it was introduced, receiving 83.68% of votes. This result shows that Wisconsinites believe income should not limit access to the outdoors.
Question 55 had notable results as well. Question 55 supported alternative funding sources in addition to license fees to the Fish & Wildlife account. This passed in every county except one. Because this requires legislation to pass, we hope that lawmakers account for Wisconsin’s support for such action.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Conservation Congress Spring Hearing. Despite unprecedented circumstances, you made your voices heard.