The state legislature has been holding meetings across the state on issues of water quality. On Sept. 4 the committee held a meeting in Menomonie. We have video of the entire session, but have only edited this section so far, which is the public testimony. Earlier in the day there were multiple testimonies from invited guests including local government agencies and agricultural groups. Those videos will be available later in the week. 

Today Governor Evers signed an executive order on Clean Energy. The order creates an Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy in the Department of Administration. It also declares a goal of reaching 100% clean energy in the state by 2050, as well as bringing the state in line with the Paris Climate Accord, and requires clean energy workforce training in the state. 

One main focus of the 2019 Wisconsin Farmers Union Summer Conference was clean water. The conference this year featured a demonstration of water runoff from different kinds of farming practices. The demonstration was done by Pheasants Forever and showed how modern farming practices can limit water runoff and loss of nutrients while ensuring more of the rainfall actually infiltrates the soil.

Wisconsin's agricultural bounty is possible thanks in part to the state's voluminous supply of freshwater. At the same time, the use of this resource to grow crops and nourish livestock poses risks to the quality of these waters. The effects of agricultural practices on the state's rivers, lakes, wetlands and groundwater can come by way of soil erosion, water overuse, chemicals and livestock manure.