Oversight is critical for DNR changes

Department of Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp has rolled out a far-reaching plan to streamline the environmental permit processing of the state agency charged with protecting Wisconsin’s land, air and water quality and it has, understandably, raised eyebrows and opposition.

Under Stepp’s plan, a year-and-a-half in the making, the DNR would rely heavily on the work of consultants and engineers hired by those being regulated to work up the draft environmental permits for their projects – including those for manure handling practices of large-scale farms....

   ...more

Ken Notes: This must be a statewide effort and a great opportunity for the UW System, engineering firms, and others to offer solutions that actually make a difference. What is concerning is that if we take the path of least resistance we fail our grandchildren.