Natural Resources Board Will Consider Tweaking Agency’s Policy Review Process

The Natural Resources Board is scheduled to take up proposed emergency rule changes on Wednesday that the state says would make minor adjustments to an earlier overhaul of how the agency reviews policy.

Four months ago, rule changes were implemented that were connected to how the Department of Natural Resources conducts reviews of policies under the Wisconsin Environmental Policy Act (WEPA). Environmental groups weren’t happy with parts of the changes.

Now, the DNR is back with what it calls emergency but minor changes to make sure the intent of the earlier revision is being met. DNR attorney Quinn Williams said the public review process for the agency’s rules is very robust.

“You’ve got scope statements, multiple board reviews, multiple opportunities for public input, along with legislative review and governor approval, economic impact analysis and quite a bit of oversight,” said Williams. “So that’s a good example of where there shouldn’t be some opportunity down the road for someone to challenge whether or not we complied with WEPA because we didn’t do an environmental impact statement.”

Madison-based Midwest Environmental Advocates has filed written comments raising concerns about the additional state language. The group’s attorney, Sarah Williams, said the item going before the board isn’t minor.

“They’re very much significant, substantive changes to the rule that will have the effect of limiting public participation, (that) will have the effect of perhaps limited the NRB’s and other entities’ abilities to request a comprehensive environmental analysis of certain issues and policies,” said Williams

She said there are a lot of resources conflicts pending in Wisconsin that still merit a comprehensive look, even if the DNR isn’t doing an environmental impact statement.