Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB835

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/22/23
• Refer: 12/22/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

County conservation staff for climate change resiliency purposes and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

The passage of AB835 would amend existing state statutes related to the Soil and Water Resource Management program. The changes would ensure that counties can allocate resources effectively towards climate change and conservation tasks while emphasizing the importance of local management in addressing these challenges. Through annual grant requests, counties would highlight their specific staffing needs in relation to climate change, ensuring focused attention on this pressing issue.

Summary

AB835, introduced in the 2023-2024 Wisconsin Legislature, focuses on enhancing county conservation efforts specifically aimed at addressing climate change. The bill authorizes the allocation of $1.8 million in General Purpose Revenue (GPR) funding to support county conservation staff dedicated to climate change resilience efforts. By giving counties the ability to request funding for staff focused on this area, the bill aims to empower local entities to take actionable steps against the impacts of climate change and enhance their capacity for environmental management.

Contention

While supporters of AB835 argue that the bill provides necessary funding and recognition of the role local governments play in combating climate change, there could be concerns regarding the allocation of funds and the management of these resources. Some may argue that more oversight is needed to ensure effective utilization of the funds and to avoid potential mismanagement once the funds are allocated to various counties. Additionally, the bill's reliance on county-specific plans to justify funding might lead to disparities in resource distribution among counties, affecting overall effectiveness in combating climate issues.