Madison Reporter

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) has responded to a recent ruling by the Wisconsin Supreme Court concerning the Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) regulatory practices. The court's decision supports the DNR's current approach, which WMC criticizes as impractical.

Scott Manley, Executive Vice President of Government Relations at WMC, expressed concerns about the implications of this ruling. He stated, "The DNR refuses to tell the regulated community which substances must be reported under the Spills Law, yet threatens severe penalties for getting it wrong." According to Manley, this situation leaves both businesses and homeowners uncertain about what constitutes hazardous material. Mistakes in reporting could lead to significant fines and prolonged legal battles.

Manley further commented on the fairness and feasibility of the regulations: "This ruling blesses a regulatory approach that is fundamentally unfair, unworkable, and impossible to comply with."

The statement from WMC reflects ongoing tensions between business interests and environmental regulations in Wisconsin.