ABOVE: Promoting economic development is one of Tammy's priorities.
Outdoor recreation and conservation are ways of life in Wisconsin. Sportsmen know the value of protecting our waterways, wetlands and ecosystems. Parents want to know that the air, water and food consumed by their families are safe and clean. Today conservationists carry on the tradition of Aldo Leopold and other Wisconsin pioneers in the field. As your representative in Congress, I am committed to that ethic and strongly support efforts to protect our irreplaceable natural resources.
The earth’s water is one of our most precious resources. Nothing truly matters unless we have clean air to breathe and clean water to drink. We must take action to ensure that there is an adequate supply of drinking water for generations to come. Today, many Americans cannot safely drink their own tap water due to contamination. Many beaches are too polluted for swimming and many fish are so contaminated that they threaten human health.
The problem of mercury in our water is so severe that fish advisories exist for all fish in every lake and stream in Wisconsin. For humans, exposure to mercury can damage the function of the central nervous system and impair reproduction. High prenatal exposure can lead to cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities. I have authored legislation that would help prevent mercury found in household items from getting into our lakes and streams. The amount of mercury contained in just one household thermostat is enough to poison a 60-acre lakefront for one year.
I also am concerned about the presence of pharmaceuticals in our nation’s waters. A recent Associated Press study found that pharmaceuticals have been detected in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans. In response to this troubling report, I authored legislation directing the (Environmental Protection Agency) EPA to conduct a study examining the presence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in our nation’s drinking water supplies.
Additionally, I strongly oppose efforts to undermine the Clean Water Act and deny protection and cleanup for many waterways throughout the United States. Rather, I will continue to advocate for and support efforts to establish greater protections for our streams, lakes, wetlands, and other water resources.
The Great Lakes are a prized natural treasure of our entire nation, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they are protected. It is especially important that we preserve the biodiversity and the ecosystem of the Great Lakes.
Populations of plants and animals have been destroyed as a result of rapid reproduction rates and gross levels of consumption by invasive species such as the Asian Carp fish. This phenomenon threatens environmental sustainability and the creation of an imbalance in the Great Lakes ecosystem.
I am committed to enhancing environmental quality and economic development throughout the Great Lakes basin.
Invasive species pose a risk to native animal and plant species and can be a significant economic burden on communities and homeowners. In Wisconsin alone, we face the threat of the Emerald Ash Borer, VHS, Spiny Water Fleas, Hydrilla and several other invasive plants and animals. Left unchecked, these species can decimate native populations, upset ecological balances, and cause significant economic damage. I have long supported efforts to increase funding for research, control, and eradication of these species.
I am greatly concerned about the dwindling population of many species of wild animals. These animals are critical to the survival of our ecosystem. It is essential that we protect wildlife species for future generations.
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is critical legislation that protects our entire environment by preserving populations of endangered and threatened species. We must ensure that the ESA is fully funded and strongly enforced.
Wisconsin is home to several wildlife refuges, including the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, where many species of animals reside, including wolves, Karner blue butterflies, and white-tailed deer. It also is the location where there have been efforts to reintroduce the endangered whooping crane. Cranes are the most endangered family of birds in the world, with eleven of the world's fifteen species at risk of extinction. Industrial development, pollution, and encroachments on their natural habitat have all contributed to the shrinking crane population worldwide. In an effort to reintroduce a migratory flock into their historic range in the eastern United States, a recovery team used ultralight aircraft to train and lead the young cranes on their spectacular journey stretching from city to city and state to state.
I am the lead sponsor of the Crane Conservation Act, which would authorize up to $5 million per year to be distributed in the form of conservation project grants to protect cranes and the wetland and grassland ecosystems on which they depend. The measure would provide the means for the United States to fulfill various international obligations and commitments, thus having a large environmental and cultural impact across the globe. It also would bring people and governments around the world together to protect ecosystems, develop adequate habitats, and encourage overall goodwill.
In addition to the legislation that I have introduced, my work in Congress has included advocacy for important Wisconsin environmental projects, including the Badger Army Ammunition Plant, the Ice Age Trail, and the work of the Sand County Foundation.
In 1942, the Badger Army Ammunition Plant (BAAP) was constructed in Sauk County, Wisconsin. The plant manufactured ammunition for the Army until it was closed in 1975. In 1998 the Army declared the property to be excess, and began the process to transfer it to other entities. Many communities, organizations and individuals expressed strong concern about the future of this extraordinary land.
The BAAP property is over 7,000 acres adjoining Devil’s Lake State Park. Set in the beautiful Baraboo hills, the decision by the Army to convey the land presented a once in a lifetime opportunity to preserve the land for the use and enjoyment of future generations.
As decisions were being made on the future use of the property, I was committed to ensuring that the voices of thousands of local citizens were heard. In 1999, as a new Member of Congress, I secured a special federal grant of $100,000 to fund a facilitated process to find a community consensus. After countless hours of work by numerous concerned state and local government organizations, community leaders, environmental organizations, and concerned citizens, a consensus plan was developed. The plan is truly visionary—co-managing the land and restoring it for conservation and recreation.
Before the land can be conveyed, the Army has legal responsibility to ensure that environmental clean-up of parcels is complete. Since the Badger Reuse plan was developed the Army has made significant progress on fulfilling this obligation. Parcels have already been conveyed to the United States Department of Agriculture for its Dairy Forage Research Service and to the State of Wisconsin for management by the Department of Natural Resources. Transfers to the U.S. Department of Interior, in trust for the Ho Chunk Nation, are still pending. When complete the three entities that will own parts of the property will work together to make the vision of the Badger Reuse Committee a reality.
My work on this project will continue until that vision is realized.
The Ice Age Trail is a national treasure located in our backyard. It winds through 31 Wisconsin counties, tracing the edge of the furthest advance of the glacier that spread across the area 14,000 to 16,000 years ago. When complete, the trail will be a more than 1,000 mile-long continuous footpath.
I’m proud to be a strong advocate for the Ice Age Trail. This land holds immense scientific and cultural value, as well as natural beauty. It is land that we leave as a legacy for future generations. During my time in Congress, I have secured more than $20 million in federal funds for its development and preservation.
Agricultural runoff can significantly pollute our lakes, rivers and streams. The Wisconsin-based Sand County Foundation works with farmers, using market-based incentives, to reduce nitrogen use and runoff. I was pleased to secure funding to support this important work that assists farmers and helps to protect our environment.
June 15, 2010 Statement on President Obama's Speech on the Gulf Coast Oil Spill
May 19, 2010 Baldwin Strengthens Safe Drinking Water Measure
May 3, 2010 Baldwin, Obey Seek Status Upgrade for Ice Age and North Country Trails
March 19, 2010 Baldwin Joins in Resolution Commemorart 40th Anniversary of Earth Day and its Founder, Senator Gaylord Nelson
January 1, 2010 Baldwin, Kohl, Obey Secure Funds for Ice Age Trail
November 5, 2009 Baldwin Seeks Incentive for Motor Efficiencies
September 22, 2009 Statement on EPA's Rule to Report Greenhouse Gas Emissions
September 11, 2009 Baldwin Proposes Product Carbon Disclosure
June 26, 2009 Landmark Clean Energy Bill Bears Baldwin's Stamp
May 21, 2009 Baldwin Helps Drive Job Creation, Energy Efficiencies
May 18, 2009 Opening Statement - American Clean Energy and Security Act, Energy & Commerce Committee
April 21, 2009 Statement on Earth Day - April 22, 2009
January 9, 2009 Baldwin, Feingold Reintroduce Bill To Protect Cranes
January 6, 2009 Baldwin Crafts Greenhouse Gas Registry
September 17, 2008 Baldwin Supports Bipartisan Energy Plan Compromise
September 11, 2008 Baldwin Crafts Greenhouse Gas Registry
September 3, 2008 Baldwin Seeks Safer Drinking Water
June 2, 2008 House Passes Baldwin Crane Conservation Act
April 16, 2008 Baldwin Challenges Bush to Show Real Leadership on Climate Change
February 25, 2008 House Committee Takes Up Baldwin Bill on Railroad Industry Monopoly
January 22, 2008 Baldwin Says Help With Heating Bills Is On the Way
December 7, 2007 Baldwin Lauds Passage of Historic Energy Legislation
August 4, 2007 Congress Moves Country Closer to Energy Independence
July 2, 2007 Baldwin Adds Power to Energy Bill
September 7, 2006 Baldwin Grills Oil Company about Pipeline Shutdown
November 23, 2005 Baldwin Calls for Increased Fuel Economy Standards
July 28, 2005 Baldwin Votes NO on Energy Bill
June 23, 2005 Baldwin Warns Bush: Planet is Warming, Act Now
April 21, 2005 Baldwin Statement on the House Energy Bill
March 14, 2005 Baldwin Challenges EPA Mercury Emissions Rule
January 31, 2005 Baldwin Named to Environment Subcommittee
November 22, 2004 Baldwin Secures Federal Funds to Protect Environment
November 15, 2004 Baldwin Backs Emergency Home Heating Assistance
July 6, 2004 FEMA to Fund Remapping
June 18, 2004 Wisconsin Congressional Delegation Calls for Disaster Aid
May 7, 2004 Baldwin Announces Mercury Reduction Legislation
June 24, 2003 Baldwin Leads Capitol Hill Outcry Over White House Deletion of Global Warming Language
June 19, 2003 Baldwin Pushes for More Federal Funding to Combat CWD
May 14, 2003 Baldwin Amendment Protects America's Forests, Public Right to Appeal, and Judicial Review
April 22, 2003 Baldwin Pushes Legislation to Protect Cranes and Their Habitats
April 22, 2003 Nature Conservancy Presents Conservation Leadership Award to Representative Tammy Baldwin
February 20, 2003 Representative Baldwin Secures $1 Million For Baraboo Hills Conservation Project
July 16, 2002 Baldwin Secures $3 Million For Ice Age Trail
February 20, 2002 Baldwin Receives Perfect Score from National Environmental Group
November 6, 2001 $50,000 for Downtown Park Project
September 25, 2001 Wisconsin Legislators Act to Protect Great Lakes
June 21, 2001 $2.5 Million for Wisconsin's Ice Age Trail Passes House
May 31, 2001 Baldwin Calls for Balance in Energy Policy
September 28, 2000 Funding for Baraboo River Study Included in Appropriations Bill, Kohl, Baldwin Announce
June 13, 2000 Baldwin Calls for Hearings on Possibility of Price Gouging on Gas Prices
October 21, 1999 $2 Million for Wisconsin's Ice Age Trail Passes House
July 14, 1999 Baldwin Helps Secure $2 Million for Wisconsin's Ice Age Trail
May 19, 1999 Taliesin Named to "Save America's Treasures" Program