http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/clean-air-s5.jpgLatest GOP proposals undercut protections for public health.

MADISON, WI – Days after Gov. Walker signed legislation repealing Wisconsin’s moratorium on acid mining, the future of the state’s clean air is now being threatened by new Republican bills that prioritize corporate profits over public health. Senate Bills 457, 459, 463, and 466, which roll back a series of state air quality protections, received a public hearing in the Senate today. Despite the ongoing assault on Wisconsin’s clean air, land and water, Gov. Walker wants to spend $7 million on an advertising campaign touting Wisconsin’s environment to persuade millennials to move back to Wisconsin.

“I find it very disingenuous that Gov. Walker wants to publicize Wisconsin’s environment while his policies are systematically polluting clean air, land and water,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). “The Republican agenda to roll back environmental protections is having a detrimental impact on our communities, jeopardizing public health and threatening our way of life in Wisconsin. For our children and grandchildren to enjoy the same opportunities we have, we need to safeguard access to clean water, land and air and prevent special interests from taking unfair advantage of our environment.”

A recent report revealed that Wisconsin has dropped as a leader in conservation under Republican control. Additionally, an environmental toxicologist from the Department of Natural Resources has also been outspoken on the dangers of Republican authored Senate Bills 457, 459, 463, and 466.