Gov. Scott Walker said he won't apologize for citations against polluters declining during his administration as he said fewer fines show Wisconsin is getting ahead of problems.

Walker dismissed a report from the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation showing that penalties from environmental violations dropped nearly 90 percent last year compared with a 10-year average. In a speech to Eau Claire business owners, the governor said it's part of the plan for state agencies.

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"We had a charge to them that we wanted them to go out and be more aggressive in getting out front with working with property owners, working with local residents, working with small businesses, working with employers and saying let’s get out up front of these issues before they become a problem," said Walker.

A statement from the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation said the drop in citations is troubling and the public deserves an explanation.