DNR Secretary-designee says they want five new scientists in the next budget to help fight Wisconsin's growing water quality problem.
Preston Cole spoke about fire suppression efforts while at the Newbold fire department Tuesday.
Governor Evers and his cabinet are fanning out across Wisconsin to talk about the upcoming budget debate. He also spoke of tackling head-on, water quality issues...
"..What the Evers Administration is attempting to do by the declaration of The Year Of Drinking Water is solve a myriad of problems throughout the state of Wisconsin, and begin and open, honest dialog to the inputs, where the problems lie, where the problems are (arising) from and used a science-based formula, as well as cultural practices on the land, to shape a new guidance for people who live in those areas..."
Cole says a number of communities statewide have water quality issues. But he also says the dairy industry has to be protected in whatever they do, but changes in manure spreading practices could lessen the impact. Cole says they want new funding in the budget for more water scientists...
".By putting five additional research scientists in the DNR budget, we begin again this idea of science-based decision making..."
Evers strongly criticized former Governor Scott Walker during the campaign for minimizing science to benefit business within the DNR. The new positions would need to have approval of the Republican-controlled legislature where it's future is unclear.
