Environmental groups in Wisconsin have praised the WI Supreme Court’s July 5th ruling in Evers v. Marklein, which found that the legislature’s Joint Finance Committee (JFC) was unconstitutionally blocking conservation projects under the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.
Midwest Environmental Advocates (MEA) called the decision “an important step toward restoring the balance of power in Wisconsin,” on their website. MEA filed an amicus brief on behalf of Save Our Water (S.O.H2O) and Wisconsin Conservation Voters. MEA emphasized that while this ruling is a significant victory, there is still work to be done in addressing other instances of unlawful legislative committee interference, particularly when it comes to environmental protection standards, reported WisPolitics.
Clean Wisconsin, another environmental group that filed an amicus brief, praised the court’s decision for allowing the Knowles-Nelson program to preserve natural areas that protect water quality, provide habitat for plants and animals, and promote outdoor recreation. The group stressed that preserving these lands is a critical investment for future generations.
Both organizations highlighted the importance of the ruling in ensuring that environmental laws are properly implemented and not undermined by legislative committees.
Governor Tony Evers also celebrated the ruling. In a statement, Evers called out the years of Republican obstruction his administration has faced, noting that this historic decision rightfully resets constitutional checks and balances and restores separation of powers.
“This decision is a victory for the people of Wisconsin, who expect and deserve their government to work—and work for them, not against them,” said Evers.
Featured image by Wesley Tingey, 2023.
