MADISON, WI – The Wisconsin Legislature recently passed, and Gov. Tony Evers today signed, a bill that will accelerate Wisconsin’s water quality trading programs, boosting efforts to protect our most vital resources in an economically sustainable way.

“This bipartisan bill will improve Wisconsin’s water quality both for nature and for human health,” said Elizabeth Koehler, Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy in Wisconsin. “A third-party water pollution credit clearinghouse will make it easier for agriculture and industry to partner together to protect Wisconsin’s environment.”

The advancement of this legislation will boost the current programs and put Wisconsin at the forefront of market-driven, clean water solutions. Farms of all sizes are incentivized to voluntarily adopt new practices and technologies beyond what they’re already doing, the community reaps the benefits of lower cost clean water projects, and municipalities and industry can reach required reductions at a much lower cost.

For nearly 60 years, The Nature Conservancy has worked with landowners, business and communities to protect more than 233,800 acres of land and water in Wisconsin. Recognizing that best agricultural practices impact nearly every aspect of our conservation work, TNC globally and in Wisconsin is taking an active role in promoting nutrient reduction policy and bipartisan support for improving water quality.

The Nature Conservancy thanks the bill’s authors, Rep. Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay) and Sen. Rob Cowles (R-Green Bay), and Speaker Vos and Senate Majority Leader Fitzgerald for placing water quality issues on the state’s policy agenda. Thanks also to Gov. Evers and the diverse supporters of this legislation including industry groups, farmers, and fellow conservation and environmental organizations.

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