The Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy held a public hearing on Wednesday, February 5, and heard the following bill relating to UW System:
- SB-718 Nitrate Reduction Pilot: creating a pilot grant program for farmers to reduce nitrate loading, funding research for nitrate loading reduction methods, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation.
UW-Stevens Point representative Kevin Masirik testified for information only.
- SB 722– Groundwater Quality – supporting the Center for Watershed Science and Education, creating a hydrogeologist position, funding research on phosphorus recovery and reuse, creating grant programs for counties to test wells and provide public education, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation
President Cross submitted written testimony, attached below, in favor of this bill.
Following the public hearing, the Committee held an executive session and considered the following bills related to UW System:
- SB-712– Freshwater Collaborative: funding a University of Wisconsin System freshwater collaborative and making an appropriation. Passed in a 5-0 vote
- SB 709– Water Policy Office: creating an office of water policy and making an appropriation. Passed including Amendment 1, in a 5-0 vote