Text of Letter from Attorney General James Doyle

February 8, 2001

Dear Senators Chvala and Panzer, Speaker Jensen and Representative Krug:

The time is ripe to remove politics from environmental protection in Wisconsin.The issue is in the forefront because for the first time in state history, a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary is being replaced by the governor.That has raised anew the need for independence in the DNR as it carries out its responsibilities to protect our natural resources.

It is important that the DNR’s decisions not only be free from political interference, but also that there not be even the appearance of political interference.Like Caesar’s wife, the DNR must be above suspicion.The outgoing DNR Secretary, George Meyer, was quoted as saying his decisions have not been affected by politics since he became a cabinet member, but he added that every decision he made was suspected of being politically influenced.That is an intolerable situation.

I urge you to take immediate action to pass Senate Bill 3 to reestablish the independence of the DNR secretary and allow the DNR board to name the secretary.I was heartened to note that this bill was recommended by the Senate Environmental Resources Committee on a unanimous and bi-partisan vote.It is vital to our state’s environment to pass this legislation as soon as possible.The Department of Justice prosecutes and enforces environmental laws upon referral from the DNR.The public needs to be assured that the decisions that are referred for prosecution are made on the merits, without the DNR needing to get a political green light from the governor’s office to proceed with legal action.

Conservation groups, sporting clubs and environmental organizations have all endorsed the political independence of the DNR secretary.By enacting this law, you will help protect the future of our state's natural resources.

The Senate Environmental Resources Committee’s action was a bold step.I ask that you pass this legislation and forward it for the Governor’s signature.

I also encourage you to restore the Office of the Public Intervenor.It was a mistake to kill this environmental watchdog, charged with independent responsibility for representing the public to protect our resources.The intervenor, although attached to the Department of Justice, was insulated from political pressure by a citizen board.The intervenor did what was in the public interest—not what the governor, or the attorney general wanted.That freedom even allowed the intervenor to challenge actions by the state itself that may cause harm to the environment.As a result, the intervenor jumped in where others feared to tread and fought aggressively to protect our natural resources.

I strongly believe that the work that is done by the DNR is too often being second-guessed because it lacks any political insulation.I strongly urge you to restore the independence of the DNR secretary and reestablish the public intervenor.

Sincerely,

James E. Doyle

Attorney General