Environment

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AJR 114: Relating to: recognizing the inherent rights of nature and Wisconsin’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

AJR 114 is a non-binding resolution recognizing nature's inherent rights - including the right to exist, flourish, and regenerate - and affirming Wisconsin's duty to protect these rights as part of its conservation legacy. It calls for exploring policies to implement "rights of nature" principles, engaging Indigenous communities and experts, and encourages local governments and agencies to adopt such approaches. The resolution does not create new laws but urges future legislative action and collaboration to address environmental challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly recognizes nature's inherent rights and affirms Wisconsin's duty to protect them as part of conservation legacy, urging implementation of 'rights of nature' principles for environmental stewardship.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Conservation

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SJR 107: Relating to: recognizing the inherent rights of nature and Wisconsin’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

This Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 107) is a symbolic resolution recognizing that nature possesses inherent rights - such as the right to exist, flourish, and regenerate - and affirming Wisconsin’s duty to protect these rights as part of its conservation legacy. It does not create new legal obligations but calls for future exploration of policies that align with rights-of-nature principles, including collaboration with Indigenous communities, scientists, and the public. The resolution specifically urges local governments and state agencies to consider adopting rights-of-nature approaches in land use, conservation, and planning, while affirming that local governments may independently adopt such measures. It directly affects Wisconsin’s environmental governance framework and future legislative efforts, though it has no binding legal effect.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly recognizes nature's inherent rights and Wisconsin's duty to protect them, affirming commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation legacy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 222: Relating to: a sustainable aviation fuel production tax credit. (FE)

AB 222 establishes a $1.50 per gallon tax credit for producers of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the state. The credit applies to SAF meeting a 90% renewable source requirement (from synthetic, renewable, and nonpetroleum sources like energy crops grown in the U.S.) and is available for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2027. Producers can claim the credit against state tax liability, but partnerships and similar entities cannot claim it directly - they must distribute credit eligibility to owners based on ownership shares. The bill also clarifies administrative rules and integrates the credit into existing tax code sections for consistency.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEstablishes tax credit reducing liability for SAF producers, incentivizing sustainable energy production through fiscal policy.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyEstablishes tax credit for renewable sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) meeting 90% renewable source requirement, directly promoting clean energy production and reducing fossil fuel dependence.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes $1.50/gal tax credit for SAF meeting 90% renewable source requirement, promoting cleaner aviation fuel and reducing emissions per bill summary.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationEstablishes tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) producers, promoting cleaner aviation transportation infrastructure and aligning with sustainable transportation policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Airports

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 552: Relating to: funding for chronic wasting disease research and making an appropriation. (FE)

AB 552 allocates $3 million annually from the state general fund for research, management, and testing of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer and elk. The bill creates a dedicated funding line item under the Natural Resources Department’s budget specifically for CWD management, authorizing the department to conduct research and testing. This funding applies to both the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years, directly supporting wildlife management agencies tasked with addressing this disease in cervid populations. The bill does not change existing CWD management policies but provides dedicated annual funding for these activities.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $3M annually from state general fund for CWD research/management, directly increasing budgetary support for wildlife management programs.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds CWD research/management under Natural Resources Dept, directly supporting wildlife conservation and ecosystem health as part of environmental protection efforts.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Wildlife

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 207: Relating to: creating a hazard mitigation revolving loan program, creating a Great Lakes erosion control revolving loan program, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)

SB 207 creates two revolving loan programs: one for hazard mitigation and another specifically for Great Lakes erosion control. The bill establishes a $5 million funding pool from the environmental fund, using repayments of principal and interest from existing loans to provide new loans for eligible projects. This program directly affects communities facing coastal erosion or natural hazards by offering low-cost financing for infrastructure improvements. The revolving nature means funds are recycled as loans are repaid, creating a sustainable funding source without requiring new annual appropriations.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $5M from environmental fund for revolving loan programs, funding essential infrastructure projects through sustainable fiscal management.92% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates Great Lakes erosion control program funded by environmental fund, directly protecting coastal ecosystems and natural resources through infrastructure financing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Coastal & Flood Protection

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AJR 6: Relating to: recognizing that the Wisconsin State Legislature supports nuclear power and fusion energy as clean energy sources that are critical to safely meeting Wisconsin’s growing energy demands and declaring the legislature’s commitment to the continuation and expansion of nuclear power and nuclear technologies, the development of nuclear technologies and fusion energy, and employing the leadership and resources necessary to support the development of and investment in nuclear power, fusion energy, and related technologies in the state.

AJR 6 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Wisconsin State Legislature declaring support for nuclear and fusion energy as critical clean energy sources. It states the legislature's commitment to advancing nuclear power, fusion technology, and related innovations to meet energy demands, reduce carbon emissions, and create high-paying jobs - citing current nuclear plants powering 1.2 million homes and avoiding 6.4 million tons of carbon emissions annually. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally endorses expanding nuclear energy development. The bill was introduced in February 2025, referred to committees, and ultimately laid on the table in June 2025 without further action.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExplicitly declares legislative support for nuclear/fusion energy as clean sources, cites emission reductions, and commits to advancing these technologies without new laws.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly promotes nuclear/fusion as clean energy to reduce emissions (6.4M tons annually), aligning with environmental protection goals through emissions reduction and clean energy advancement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Nuclear Renewable Energy Climate Change

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 493: Relating to: authorizing community solar programs and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

AB 493 authorizes community solar programs where multiple households share power generated from a single solar facility. It requires municipalities to approve new community solar projects with a two-thirds vote of their governing body (unless zoning allows it automatically), limits facility size to 5 megawatts (or 20 megawatts on previously developed sites like parking lots), and ensures no single subscriber controls more than 40% of the facility’s output. This directly affects local governments (through zoning rules), solar developers ("subscriber organizations"), and residents who join these programs. The bill defines key terms like "community solar facility" and "subscriber" to standardize program rules and interconnection with utilities.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyAuthorizes community solar programs, enabling shared renewable energy access and expanding clean energy infrastructure without restricting renewables or favoring fossil fuels.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAuthorizes community solar programs, promoting clean energy adoption and reducing reliance on fossil fuels through shared renewable infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar Transmission

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passed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 472: Relating to: a nuclear energy generation tax credit; prioritizing nuclear energy resources; approval of certain electric tariffs for very large customers; and authorizing electric utilities to recover certain precertification costs through rates. (FE)

AB 472 creates a tax credit for nuclear energy generation in Wisconsin, directly affecting electric utilities operating nuclear facilities. The bill establishes a credit of $10,000 per megawatt for the first 10 years (decreasing annually to $1,000 by year 19), payable against state taxes for facilities operating in-state and generating electricity. Utilities may transfer or sell these credits to other taxpayers subject to state taxes. The legislation also reclassifies nuclear energy as a "renewable resource" for reporting purposes starting in 2026 and allows utilities to recover certain pre-certification costs through customer rates.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates $10k/megawatt tax credit for nuclear utilities, reducing their tax liability and incentivizing investment. Directly modifies state tax structure to fund energy sector.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyCreates $10k/megawatt tax credit for nuclear energy, reclassifies nuclear as renewable, and prioritizes nuclear generation to fund infrastructure development.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates tax credit for nuclear energy, a low-carbon electricity source, promoting clean energy generation and reducing emissions per environmental policy indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Nuclear Utility Regulation

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 623: Relating to: issuance of permits for the mining of sulfide ore bodies.

SB 623 imposes a moratorium on issuing new permits for mining sulfide ore bodies (mining operations that extract minerals mixed with sulfide minerals) until specific environmental safety conditions are met. It requires the Department of Natural Resources to verify that similar mining operations in the U.S. or Canada have operated for at least 10 years without polluting water from acid drainage or heavy metals, or that such operations have closed safely for 10 years. This applies to all permit applications, regardless of when they were submitted, directly affecting mining companies seeking new sulfide ore permits in the state. The bill creates a new statute (293.50) to enforce this requirement while allowing permits to proceed once the conditions are satisfied.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMoratorium requires proof of 10-year safe operation to prevent acid drainage pollution, strengthening environmental protections for water resources.90% confidence

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AJR 33: Relating to: declaration of the Economic Justice Bill of Rights.

Assembly Joint Resolution 33 (AJR 33) declares an "Economic Justice Bill of Rights" for the people of Wisconsin. This resolution aims to renew the state's progressive tradition and address historical disparities for various communities. It outlines ten specific rights, including the right to a job paying a living wage, adequately funded public education, affordable healthcare, a clean environment, and safe, affordable housing. The resolution also includes rights to a union, equitable access to capital, and a fair justice system, regardless of a person's background or status.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly declares 'adequately funded public education' as a core right, directly advancing school funding support.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExplicitly includes 'clean environment' as a core right in the Economic Justice Bill of Rights, directly advancing environmental protection as a fundamental entitlement.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly declares 'affordable healthcare' as a right, directly advancing access and cost reduction goals.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingDeclares 'safe, affordable housing' as a specific right, directly aligning with tenant protections and affordable housing initiatives per the resolution's stated goals.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExplicitly declares right to living wage and union rights, directly advancing labor protections and workers' economic security per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Collective Bargaining Minimum Wage

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