Wisconsin: Walker streamlines permitting process for industry to exploit environment

[Scuba]

http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/121678338.html


<snip>

Gov. Scott Walker's administration is developing a plan that it says will streamline the Department of Natural Resources to make it more responsive to the public and help speed reviews of environmental permits sought by industry.

The agency would also approach regulation differently, by using experts within the DNR to meet in advance with regulated parties in the hope of expediting the process.

The proposals were included in a DNR document obtained by the Journal Sentinel that indicated that Walker would use the DNR as a "charter agency" and would advance the proposals as an executive order.

But the proposal drew fire from environmentalists who worry that Walker - a critic of the DNR during his gubernatorial campaign - wants to retool the agency to benefit business, but sacrifice environmental protection.

"It begs the question: Who are the customers?" said Anne Sayers, program director for the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters.
"Is it the people who are breathing the air and drinking the water, or is it the polluting special interests?"

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[eowyn_of_rohan]

1. Make the WI DNR more pro-business than it already is?

Can that SOB please leave now?

[Blue Owl]

2. I'm all for Scott Walker drinking toxic water

But the rest of Wisconsin deserves better.