Wisconsin Environmental Initiative’s (WEI)
approach to solving environmental problems arose from the recognition that traditional
means of addressing environmental issues are becoming less effective. While legislation,
lobbying and other efforts have furthered the environmental movement, often times the
results have been contention, polarization and animosity. Too often, opposing
constituencies disseminate conflicting biased information which ultimately leads to
inadequate public policy. This perpetuates the adversarial relationship between regulators
and the regulated community and proves detrimental to the state’s environment and
economy. As concerns grew about the environment it became increasingly apparent that
new methods were needed to achieve meaningful progress. In response to this need, in 1995,
WEI founders Stuart Rosenberg, Dick Lehmann and John Imes assembled a diverse group of
board members that represented business, government and the non-profit sector, to lead an
innovative organization modeled after the Minnesota
Environmental Initiative (MEI).
MEI was founded in 1991 to facilitate solutions to environmental
issues through mediated, non-contentious forums and to foster collaboration between
stakeholders. From their inception, MEI was determined not to engage in any lobbying
activities, but rather serve as an educator and facilitator. MEI’s timely policy
conferences were thoroughly planned, well-attended and extensively followed-up with
publications designed to circulate results and recommendations. Their scope of activities
has expanded over the years to include several comprehensive ongoing programs on specific
environmental topics. These include technical workshops that educates business on
environmental standards, rules and regulations; the Environmental Management Excellence
Series, providing a network and educational opportunity for those in environmental
management; Energy Alley, advancing Minnesota’s energy efficient and renewable energy
industry; and the Redevelopment Grant Assistance Program, fostering the redevelopment of
urban property. With MEI’s full support and working collaboratively with them, WEI
has brought this model to Wisconsin. WEI is proud to be the first offshoot of MEI and will
work with them to advance Initiatives in other states.
WEI is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing together
business, government and citizen groups in a neutral forum to address environmental issues
affecting Wisconsin. Through our programs and events we provide the opportunity of all
sides to present their views, engage in debate and work towards common solutions which
benefit the state’s economy and environment. By facilitating balanced education,
productive relationships and cooperative understanding, we foster improved environmental
policies, enhancing the quality of life in Wisconsin.
