First, read this: "An urgent communication to all Wisconsin legislators": An order from all the big corporate and agricultural interest groups.



We are at a crossroads. It is imperative that the legislature assert its authority and bring certainty and sanity to the regulation of new and existing high capacity wells in Wisconsin.

What that means: they want to do away with any and all restrictions on the withdrawal of groundwater in the state.

The memo is one great pack of lies, distortions, scare tactics, and propaganda.

If you know anything about water policy, you will spot the most dangerous part of this:



We need the legislature to provide... clarification of the public trust doctrine consistent with the Supreme Court's Rock Koshkonong decision.

The unelected bureaucrats at the DNR are seizing on the vague nature of the Wisconsin Constitution's Public Trust Doctrine in such a way that it is doing real harm to your constituents.

If this sounds like an urgent plea, that is because this is. We cannot wait any longer for the legislation described above. However, we cannot accept any legislation that would create new, stifling regulations or establish regulatory uncertainty as to how DNR and the state will approach new well applications moving forward. There are some in this state who want to ensure no piece of land is ever tilled and no drop of water is ever extracted. They view us as exploiters of the environment. While we are not environmental activists, we are active environmentalists. Please do not think the status quo stalemate protects the environment—it does not. However, the standstill does indeed jeopardize our future. We are steadfast in our commitment to fixing these problems. We are counting on the legislators who we elected and represent us in the State Capitol to defend us against this emerging war on Wisconsin Agriculture and the businesses that are the backbone of the state's economy.

If that sounds obscure, it is only because most citizens have no idea that the protection of the public interest in water is. The public trust doctrine is the foundation of all water protection and management statutes enacted in our entire history. Comically, these bullies and thugs have the gall to say this about the eviscerated Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources:And then these evil words:I plead with all of you to help get the word out on this. This is every bit as egregious as the assault on the Wisconsin Idea and other atrocities that the Walker administration, Bradley Foundation, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, and their cronies have committed.

Thanks VERY MUCH for getting this on the recommended list. In Wisconsin, water issues can cut across political divides. If knowledge of this gets out across the state, it will be like the Wisconsin Idea fracas.