“I think that’s going to help move whatever comes out of this task force,” Novak said. “It’s a priority of the Democrats and a priority now of the Republicans.”

Novak said he has already heard from a large number of individuals and groups, including some with concerns about what the task force might do. Agricultural interests are supportive after expressing worries about being blamed for more than their share of problems, he said.

Amber Meyer Smith of Madison-based Clean Wisconsin said she’s encouraged that Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, formed a bipartisan committee, but she is wary that it could delay action on clean water proposals from Evers or others.

“We will be looking for action and not just discussion because we can’t afford to wait to get people clean water,” Smith said. “I don’t think it’s going to take that long with all that we already know and the science that has already been done and all the solutions we know exist.”

The task force will stage a dozen or more information-gathering sessions in Madison and around the state before writing a report and recommending legislation, Novak said.