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MADISON – Wisconsin has a proud history of conservationism and environmentalism, playing a major role in the development of environmental protection. Our beautiful state influenced the thinking of famed figures of the environmental movement like Aldo Leopold, John Muir, and former Wisconsin Governor and U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson.

Aiming to shift national thinking to match Wisconsin’s environmental values, Nelson established a reputation as a trailblazer in environmental protection. His many efforts in defending the environment inspired positive change on both the state and the national level and led to the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970. Nelson’s legacy even inspired the name of Governor Nelson State Park which resides in the 79th Assembly District.

“It is important on Earth Day and every day to recommit to our goal of an environmentally sustainable future. We need to take meaningful steps to combat the global threat of climate change, and renew our commitment to clean air and water.  Fortunately, Governor Evers had laid out a path to finally achieve these goals together,” said Representative Hesselbein.

Governor Tony Evers’ budget proposal makes clean communities a top priority. In the budget, Governor Evers returns science to the Department of Natural Resources, addresses lead piping that leads to unacceptable contaminated water for Wisconsin families, and prioritizes clean and renewable energy. Governor Evers also shows his commitment to environmental stewardship by extending the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship program.

“I’ve spent my career advocating for environmental protections and taken a stand against legislation that harms our natural resources. We can all work to continue Governor Gaylord Nelson’s strong environmental legacy to ensure that our intrinsically valuable natural resources are protected for generations to come,” said Representative Hesselbein.

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