Fighting manure pollution (NR 151)

As factory farms have increased in size and number in Wisconsin, manure has contaminated the drinking water of hundreds of thousands of families, leaving entire communities at risk from health problems ranging from diarrhea to learning disabilities to infant death. In response, last year, Wisconsin Conservation Voters kicked off its campaign for stronger manure rules called NR 151. Working with partner groups, we recruited 310 citizens from across the state to speak out at Conservation Lobby Day.

After that, we engaged citizens through public hearings, online petitions and actions, a telephone town hall, and events and education. Throughout, we kept a constant drumbeat on the worst polluters, including the powerful Dairy Business Association (DBA). Because conservation voters like you came out strong for new manure spreading rules, the DBA and other polluters withdrew their opposition, and the DNR Board passed the rules unanimously.