Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB254

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/8/25
• Refer: 5/8/25
• Report Pass: 5/29/25
• Refer: 5/29/25
• Refer: 6/20/25

Caption

Regulation of the Chippewa and Flambeau Improvement Company.

Impact

The modifications brought forth by AB254 signify a substantial shift in the regulatory framework surrounding water resource management by empowering the Chippewa and Flambeau Improvement Company to manage tolls more uniformly across certain water bodies. This could lead to improvements in water availability and management practices. However, such changes also raise concerns among stakeholders about the potential economic burden on operators required to pay these tolls, which could impact their operations and profitability. The necessity for improved water management competes against the possible economic implications for smaller operators and environmental considerations concerning fair access to water resources.

Summary

Assembly Bill 254 focuses on regulating the Chippewa and Flambeau Improvement Company by altering existing laws governing water power operators and tolls. The bill permits the company to levy tolls that were previously restricted, specifically allowing these tolls to be used for the acquisition and improvement of the company's reservoir system. The bill addresses the need for sustainable resource management while also ensuring that the maintenance and operation costs of the reservoirs can be recouped through these tolls. Moreover, while it allows for the implementation of tolls to cover operational costs, it retains the original restriction that tolls should not exceed reasonable cost assessments as determined by the Public Service Commission.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding AB254 include the debate over the economic impacts of increased tolls on water power operators and the implications of empowering the Public Service Commission to dictate operational costs. Critics may argue that the flexibility granted to the Commission could lead to disproportionate tolls based on subjective assessments rather than equitable criteria, potentially harming smaller operators. Furthermore, the possibility of tolls being applied to cover a broader range of costs—including taxes and working capital—may be viewed negatively by stakeholders concerned about increased financial pressures in an already competitive marketplace.