March 12, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: John Imes
(608) 280-0360


State leaders to address environmental priorities in the face of budget deficit and need to improve state’s economy

(Madison, WI) - The announcement of a projected $3.2 billion dollar budget deficit over the next two-year budget cycle makes it clear that very tough choices will have to be made when it comes to setting environmental priorities. Given the problem of shrinking resources and complex environmental issues, improved environmental protection will depend on the ability of lawmakers and agency staff to effectively focus limited resources.

In an event presented by Wisconsin Environmental Initiative, state leaders from the legislature and the Doyle administration will discuss the challenge of effectively addressing the state’s environmental priorities in the context of a $3.2 billion dollar budget deficit and the need to improve the state economy.

The Environmental Policy Forum: Striking a Balance for 2003 and Beyond, will be held Monday, March 17, 2003, at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison.

The event will feature a panel of state leaders including Scott Hassett, Secretary, Department of Natural Resources; Rod Nilsestuen, Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection; Senator Neal Kedzie, Chair, Environment and Natural Resources Committee; Senator Rob Cowles, Chair, Energy and Utilities Committee; Representative Mark Miller, Assembly Natural Resources Committee; and Peter Bock, Administrator, Division of Energy. Panel members will be asked to: 1) identify their top environmental priorities over the next four years and 2) share ideas for addressing those priorities given the need to improve Wisconsin’s economy while tackling a $3.2 billion dollar budget deficit.

An audience of up to 200 representatives of government, business, and non-profit organizations will join the discussion and will be asked to identify their top environmental priorities, which will be tallied and compared to priorities identified by political leaders at the event. Tom Still, President of the Wisconsin Technology Council and former associate editor of the Wisconsin State Journal will moderate 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. "Working together, we can strive to balance Wisconsin’s need for a healthy environment and a vibrant economy."

Environmental Policy Forum: Striking a Balance for 2003 and Beyond is being presented by Wisconsin Environmental Initiative, in cooperation with the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters.

Event sponsors include: The Boldt Company, DeWitt Ross & Stevens, Madison Gas and Electric Company, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Realtors Association, Wisconsin Technology Council and WISBUSINESS.com

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. For more on WEI, please see our web site at www.wi-ei.org.

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.