We celebrate Earth Day on April 22. For me, Earth Day is a reminder to appreciate and protect what has given us so much. That’s why I’ll never stop fighting for clean drinking water, defending our incredible forests and lakes, and promoting environmental stewardship and conservation so families can enjoy the great outdoors we’re so blessed with for generations to come.
I love the unique landscape we call home in western Wisconsin; my family has lived and farmed in this region since they settled here in the 1800s. As the son of multiple generations of family farmers, I learned early the importance of soil and water conservation.
Healthy soils lead to higher yields. Higher yields come from fertile soils which are resilient and soak in excess rain water. Good farmers know this; they know if they take care of the land, the land will take care and provide for them. From the Farmland Preservation Program to managed grazing, I’m proud to support funding to aid conservation in Wisconsin.
Our water is a precious resource that we cannot take for granted. I’m continuing to fight to remove PFAS from our water and establish groundwater standards to protect families from these toxic forever chemicals. Everyone deserves to feel confident that the water coming out of their tap is safe to drink and use.
As a father, I cannot imagine having to worry about whether my water is safe enough for my toddler to take a bath. Unfortunately, too many parents in Wisconsin are facing this reality; that is why PFAS must be removed from our water. As a son, I understand the importance of learning from those who have some before us. I’m reminded of the Native American proverb, “We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”
The actions we take today will impact our land and water for future generations, and we must be mindful of the choices we make. That’s why we need to continue to develop renewable energy, which supports not just our economy, but our environment for years to come. Having more renewables within our overall energy mix will make sure that we can continue to have affordable, reliable, and dependable electricity, while protecting our natural resources.
As a neighbor, I know that stewardship and conservation is a collaborative effort. I’ve worked to support local watershed groups who understand the positive impact we can have on our environment. These groups provide tremendous stewardship for our land and water, as they have for nearly 100 years here in western Wisconsin. The Coon Creek Watershed in Vernon County was home to the country’s first erosion control project in the early 1900s, paving the way for today’s farmer-led watershed groups who care for our land and water, and seek to find ways to mitigate erosion.
Whether you farm, fish, hike, or just enjoy spending time outdoors, there are countless ways in which we can support stewardship and conservation. The Driftless Region is a beautiful landscape filled with rolling hills, coulees, and valleys, and I’m committed to doing everything I can to keep this region a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Happy Earth Day everyone.
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