State leaders to address regulatory reform and innovation – Focus on
better environmental results, more productive business climate
(Madison, WI) – The renewed focus on regulatory reform in Wisconsin
need not turn into another tired debate over "economic growth" versus
"environmental protection." We need not ignite another "Green War" that
will hurt our ability to achieve the healthy business climate and
environmental quality every Wisconsinite deserves.
There is a better way.
The Dec. 15th Environmental Policy Forum, sponsored by the
Wisconsin Environmental Initiative, will bring together leaders from
business and industry, state agencies, the Legislature and environmental
groups to reach an understanding on the need for both regulatory reform
and environmental quality. Forum participants will be challenged to look
beyond the top-down, prescriptive solutions of the past and to examine
innovative strategies and policies that can lead to positive
environmental results and a more productive business climate.
The Environmental Policy Forum: Ensuring Wisconsin’s
Environmental Quality Through Innovation and Regulatory Reform
will be held Monday, December 15, 2003, at the Monona Terrace Convention
Center in Madison. The event features a kickoff address by Scott
Hassett, Secretary, Department of Natural Resources; and a panel of
state leaders including Senator Neal Kedzie, Chair, Environment
and Natural Resources Committee; Representative Mark Miller,
Assembly Natural Resources Committee; George Meyer, Executive
Director, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation; Steve Hiniker, Executive
Director, 1000 Friends of Wisconsin; Jerry Deschane, Government
Affairs Director, Wisconsin Builders Association; and Jeff Schoepke,
Environmental Policy Director, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce. Panel
members will discuss policy innovations in regulatory reform which would
benefit the state’s environment and economy. Tom Still, President of
the Wisconsin Technology Council and former associate editor of the
Wisconsin State Journal will help moderate the event.
Following the panel, Don Kettl, Professor of Political Science
at the LaFollette School of Public Affairs, will introduce Shelley
Metzenbaum as the keynote speaker. Ms. Metzenbaum is a Visiting
Professor at the University of Maryland School of Public Affairs and
head of the Environmental Compliance Consortium.
Her presentation will highlight national success stories and
emphasize "Performance – Focused, Information – Driven
Environmental Protection".
An audience of leaders representing state and local government,
business, and non-profit organizations will join the discussion and
participate in issue related working groups. Members will be asked to
identify strategies, policies and specific projects that can lead to
better environmental results and a more productive business climate.
The issue related working groups include: (1) Shore land Development;
(2) Green Development/ Smart Growth; (3) Agricultural Stewardship; (4)
Innovative Business Practices; (5) Energy; (6) Air Non-Attainment; and
(7) Water Quantity and Quality issues. Harry Webne-Behrman of the
Collaborative Initiative will facilitate the event.
"The Environmental Policy Forum creates a way for political leaders
and stakeholders representing diverse viewpoints to engage in
action-oriented discussions," said John Imes, WEI Executive Director.
"Through stakeholder collaboration, setting environment focused –
performance based goals, and emphasizing flexibility and accountability
for environmental and economic outcomes, we can achieve our aspirations
for an improved environment and a healthy business climate in
Wisconsin."
Following the event, members of the working groups will meet to
further develop and refine ideas and recommendations for consideration
by the governor, legislature, government agencies, businesses and the
public.
Environmental Policy Forum: Ensuring Wisconsin’s Environmental
Quality Through Innovation and Regulatory Reform is being
presented by Wisconsin Environmental Initiative. Event sponsors include:
DeWitt Ross & Stevens, Wisconsin Builders Association, Quad/Graphics,
Inc., Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the Wisconsin
Realtors Association. For more on the event, please see our web site at
www.wi-ei.org or call (608) 280-0360.
About Wisconsin Environmental Initiative (WEI):
WEI works to improve the environment, economy, and quality of life in
Wisconsin through educational initiatives, multi-stakeholder dialogues,
and the advancement of best practices in the areas of business strategy,
environmental policy, green building, agriculture, and land use. WEI was
founded in 1996 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.
The WEI Environmental Policy Forum is a program designed to
improve environmental policy making in Wisconsin through increased
communication and collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Program
activities respond to emerging environmental issues affecting our state
and region, particularly in the areas of energy, agriculture, and land
use. The Environmental Policy Forum creates a way for leaders
representing all sectors and viewpoints to engage in action-oriented,
outcome-driven discussions and find innovative ways to enhance
Wisconsin’s environment and economy.
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