Recent Developments Blog

The Great Lakes Legal Foundation testified at the May 21 meeting of the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board on Board Agenda Item 2.A.1. – Approval of the Department’s recommendation contained in the report to the Board on Wisconsin’s State Mercury Air Emission Rule.

The Foundation supported the Department’s recommendation to modify the state mercury rule to begin second phase emissions reductions on April 16, 2016, rather than the current January 1, 2015 compliance date. However, the Foundation testified that this recommendation is unnecessary and based on a flawed reading of the law.

The Heritage Foundation has released a new white paper, “Red Tape Rising: Regulations in Obama’s First Term,” which analyzes the number and cost of regulations enacted during Pres. Obama’s first term.

EPA has proposed to significantly reduce emissions of conventional air pollutants from cars and trucks while at the same time reducing the amount of sulfur in the nation’s gasoline supply. The new rules, which are known as “Tier 3” emissions and fuel standards, attempt to harmonize federal emissions requirements with California state requirements, creating one national market for automobiles.

As part of the "Right the Rules" regulatory reform process, the Assembly Committee on Environment and Forestry will be having an informational meeting on April 30 to discuss several water regulations, including NR 217 (Phosphorus) and NR 106 (Thermal Discharge).