May 4, 2012
Contact:
Amber Meyer Smith, Program Director, 608.251.7020 ext. 16, 608.347.6026 (cell)
Mark Redsten, Board Member, 608.251.7020 ext. 12
MADISON — On behalf of its thousands of members across the state, Clean Wisconsin Action Fund proudly announced its endorsement of John Lehman for Senate today.
“In his more than 10 years of public service in the state Legislature, John Lehman has built an impressive record of protecting Wisconsin’s natural resources,” said Mark Redsten, board member of the Clean Wisconsin Action Fund. “By working to protect the Great Lakes, advance clean energy and make the outdoors more accessible, John has demonstrated a strong commitment to keeping Wisconsin’s environment clean and beautiful.”
As a senator, Lehman played an important leadership role in the passage of the Great Lakes Compact, a historic agreement between eight Great Lakes States and two Canadian Provinces that protects the water in the Great Lakes.
“With over 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, residents in the 21st Senate District understand the importance of protecting the magnificent Great Lakes,” said Redsten. “Thanks to John Lehman’s work to help pass the Great Lakes Compact, residents never have to worry about Lake Michigan water getting sold to the highest bidder.”
In addition to his work to protect the Great Lakes, Lehman helped pass increases in the state stewardship fund; saved the Clean Sweep program from elimination; restricted the use of algae-causing phosphorus in fertilizers and cleaning agents like dishwasher soap; implemented recycling requirements for home electronics; helped approve the state wind siting rule; and helped pass legislation to keep toxic mercury out of our lakes, rivers and streams. He has been honored with numerous awards for his environmental work, including receiving Clean Wisconsin Action Fund’s Clean 16 award twice.
Lehman also understands how clean energy can grow our economy and bring jobs to the area. In his tenure as Senator, he authored a bill to allow special financing for energy efficiency upgrades at businesses, helping businesses save money on their energy bills and invest those savings in job creation. He also prioritizes the work of Gateway Technical College, a key partner in training the workforce that will help us transition to a clean energy economy.
“In the last two years, Wisconsin’s leaders have drastically rolled back environmental protections, leaving our health and our natural resources at risk,” said Redsten. “John Lehman is the kind of leader we need to reverse this dangerous trend and restore Wisconsin’s status as an environmental leader.”