Environment

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 632: Relating to: issuance of permits for the mining of sulfide ore bodies.

AB 632 imposes a moratorium on issuing permits for mining sulfide ore bodies (mineral deposits where metals mix with sulfide minerals) until two conditions are verified. Specifically, the department must confirm that similar mining operations in the U.S. or Canada have operated for at least 10 years without polluting groundwater or surface water from acid drainage or heavy metals, and that similar closed mines have remained pollution-free for 10 years. This applies to all permit applications, regardless of when they were submitted, and remains in effect until the verification requirements are met. The bill directly affects mining companies seeking permits for sulfide ore mining projects in the state.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMoratorium requires proof of 10-year pollution-free mining operations, preventing potential groundwater/surface water contamination from sulfide mining.90% confidence

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 502: 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)

SB 502 creates a 20-year tax credit for nuclear energy facilities in Wisconsin, providing electric utilities and cooperatives with annual credits of $10,000 per megawatt (decreasing to $1,000 by year 19) for qualifying nuclear power generation. The credit applies only to facilities located in Wisconsin that generated electricity during the tax year, with a cap of 20 years per facility. It also modifies definitions to include nuclear energy in "renewable resource" reporting for state agencies and utilities. The bill allows credit transfers to other taxpayers subject to state income tax, but prohibits partnerships and similar entities from claiming the credit directly.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates 20-year tax credit for nuclear facilities, providing fiscal incentive that reduces state revenue via tax relief for utilities.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyCreates 20-year tax credits for nuclear facilities, prioritizes nuclear resources, and classifies nuclear as renewable for reporting - directly funds nuclear energy generation.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPromotes nuclear energy via tax credits, a low-carbon power source, advancing environmental protection by incentivizing clean energy generation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits Nuclear

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 421: Relating to: prohibiting rights of nature ordinances. (FE)

AB 421 prohibits cities, towns, and counties from enacting "rights of nature" ordinances that grant legal rights to natural resources like rivers or forests. The bill defines such ordinances as those conferring rights to exist, be protected from pollution, or maintain healthy ecosystems. It creates a new state law (66.0132) banning these local measures, preventing municipalities from using this approach to legally protect natural areas. The bill was introduced in September 2025 and referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentProhibits local 'rights of nature' ordinances that protect natural resources from pollution and ecosystems, weakening environmental protections.90% confidence

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 112: Relating to: hunting of sandhill cranes, programs related to sandhill crane damage, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)

SB 112 establishes a permit system for hunting sandhill cranes, requiring state approval and federal compliance. It allocates 50% of permit fees to fund crane population management and education, while the remaining 50% supports wildlife damage programs. The bill creates a $1.875 million annual appropriation for reimbursing landowners affected by sandhill crane damage. These changes directly affect hunters (who need permits), landowners (receiving damage reimbursements), and conservation programs managing crane populations.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates $1.875M annual appropriation for landowner reimbursements and allocates permit fees to conservation programs, directly funding state budget initiatives.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAllocates 50% of permit fees to crane population management and education, directly funding wildlife conservation efforts.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Conservation Wildlife

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 161: Relating to: governmental restrictions based on the energy source of a motor vehicle or other device.

AB 161 prohibits state agencies and local governments from restricting the sale, use, or purchase of motor vehicles or other devices based on their energy source (e.g., electric, gasoline, hydrogen). It specifically allows governments to set their own purchasing policies for their own fleets but bans restrictions on consumer or commercial use. The bill directly affects state/local governments, businesses selling vehicles/devices, and residents using such products. It creates a clear rule that energy source cannot be a factor in regulatory decisions.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyProhibits restrictions on vehicle energy sources (e.g., electric/hydrogen), enabling consumer choice and removing barriers to renewable energy adoption in transportation.85% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill prohibits restrictions on non-electric vehicles, weakening potential emissions-reduction policies by preventing bans on fossil fuel vehicles and allowing continued use of polluting options.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationProhibits restrictions on vehicle energy sources (e.g., electric/hydrogen), enabling adoption of sustainable transport options and supporting infrastructure for diverse transportation technologies.95% confidence

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 145: Relating to: passing legislation to reduce carbon emissions.

AB 145 requires the state legislature to create and pass a plan to reduce carbon emissions by 52% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The bill mandates that any legislative plan developed must prioritize improving both economic and racial equity alongside emission reductions. It directly affects the legislature, which must finalize this plan during the 2025-26 session. The key provision is establishing legally binding emission reduction targets with an explicit requirement to address equity impacts in the implementation strategy.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates binding carbon emission targets (52% by 2030, net-zero by 2050) requiring shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, directly advancing clean energy policy goals.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates legally binding carbon reduction targets (52% by 2030, net-zero by 2050) with equity requirements, directly advancing environmental protection through emission cuts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change

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signed · Wisconsin · Assembly Apr 2, 2026

AB 605: Relating to: retention of environmental repair fees by certain municipal solid waste facilities. (FE)

AB 605 allows municipal solid waste facilities that received loans under Wisconsin's clean water fund program (for wastewater infrastructure) to retain a portion of environmental repair fees collected from waste disposal. Specifically, these facilities may keep fees equal to their outstanding loan principal and interest while repaying the loan, instead of paying all collected fees to the state department. The bill directly affects municipal waste facilities that have secured such loans, modifying how they handle environmental fees. This change streamlines loan repayment by redirecting fees that would otherwise go to the state. The bill amends existing statutes to create this exception without altering general fee collection requirements.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill allows facilities to retain environmental repair fees for repaying clean water infrastructure loans, supporting maintenance of environmental infrastructure without reducing fees.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management Water Quality

signed · Wisconsin · Assembly Apr 2, 2026

AB 619: Relating to: a tax credit for aviation biofuel manufacturing, authorizing the state to contract public debt for an aviation biofuel project grant, and making an appropriation. (FE)

AB 619 creates a $150 million grant program to fund aviation biofuel manufacturing projects in Wisconsin, funded through state public debt issuance. The bill requires grantees to use facilities exclusively for aviation biofuel production (with limited exceptions for other biofuels if 80% of output is aviation fuel), source 80% of biomass locally, and invest at least $1.5 billion in aviation biofuel manufacturing within five years. It directly affects companies building such facilities and the Department of Natural Resources, which administers the grants. The program aims to support the state's forest products industry and create jobs, with strict repayment terms if grantees fail to meet requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes $150M grant appropriation via state debt for aviation biofuel manufacturing, directly funding a specific program through state budget allocation.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyFunds $150M for aviation biofuel manufacturing, requiring 80% local biomass and exclusive renewable production, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds aviation biofuel manufacturing (clean energy) with 80% local biomass sourcing, promoting reduced emissions and sustainable resource use per bill requirements.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationFunds $150M aviation biofuel manufacturing grant, promoting sustainable transportation infrastructure through renewable fuel production for aviation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Tax Credits Forestry Airports

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 289: Relating to: ban on the use of certain insecticides by the Department of Natural Resources.

AB 289 bans the Department of Natural Resources from using neonicotinoid insecticides on state-owned lands it acquires and maintains. The bill directly affects the department’s land management practices, prohibiting these specific insecticides on properties covered under section 23.09(2)(d) of the statutes. Exceptions include existing cooperative farming agreements entered before the law's effective date and insecticide use for forest pest control on state forests, nurseries, or infested zones. The law creates a clear policy change for pesticide use on public lands while maintaining necessary exemptions for forestry and agriculture partnerships.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans neonicotinoid insecticides on state lands, protecting pollinators and ecosystems from harmful chemicals per environmental protection indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry Public Lands

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 436: Relating to: the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson stewardship 2000 program and making an appropriation. (FE)

This bill updates the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson stewardship program by creating a governing board with specific membership requirements, including representatives from environmental groups, hunting/fishing organizations, tribal nations, and local government. It establishes annual funding for grants to nonprofit conservation organizations and a tribal co-management program, with set spending limits for the program through 2031. The bill also adjusts debt authorization and funding mechanisms for the program's capital improvement fund. These changes directly affect the program's operations and the organizations receiving financial support.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates annual appropriations for conservation grants and tribal co-management program with set spending limits through 2031, directly funding conservation initiatives.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates governing board with environmental group reps and funds conservation grants through 2031, directly advancing environmental protection and stewardship programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Conservation

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