DNR environmental arm to be shifted to unit intended to assist businesses

[lutefisk]

This move eliminates the DNR water division, but then is water really that important to Wisconsin? Research at the DNR is being cut further, too, but Cathy Stepp says that's no biggie.

The state Department of Natural Resources announced a major reorganization on Tuesday, including plans to turn over some politically sensitive areas of environmental regulation to a unit of the agency that bills itself as a "one-stop shop for business assistance." The changes come one day after Gov. Scott Walker said that as president he would propose the elimination of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and turn over many EPA duties to states.

In a plan outlined to employees on Tuesday afternoon, the DNR would consolidate many responsibilities for water and air pollution into a single division and streamline other areas. Some hot-button topics would be placed in a separate unit known as "business support and external services." Those includes zoning near shorelines, dam safety, wetlands protection and runoff pollution, including runoff from farms.

In Wisconsin, shoreland zoning, runoff pollution caused by manure and fertilizers applied to crops, and development near wetlands have often been the most divisive. These functions are currently housed under DNR's water division, which is being jettisoned.

LINK to Milwaukee Journal

[Half-Century Man]

1. It will only be a matter of time until

citizens of Wisconsin who seek social safety net programs will be required to "recompensate" or "Offset" state support with service to officially recognized Private partners of the state.
Poor Houses
Work Houses
Indentured Servitude.

The return of the worst of Victorian England/Gilded age America.
Neo Colonization (as was attempted in Iraq, and ongoing in Afghanistan).
This is always where Libertarianism goes. Indentured serf classes at the whim of gentry/Land holders.

[postulater]

2. It never ends.

First shut down the unions so their power is dispersed. Then cut funding to education so the science is weakened. And I know someone working at one of the tech schools. The admin there just put in a new policy handbook. One of the new rules prevents staff from posting political commentary on social media. This will stifle any remaining academic critique of ALECs Wisconsin subsidiary.

[Scuba]

3. Welcome to Wisconsin

[angrychair]

4. What.a.tool.

The impact of this will be felt for a long time. I only hope WI comes to its senses next election.