County Executive Falk Statement: State Senate Considers Statewide Phosphorus Ban

January 15, 2008
Joshua Wescott, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 669-5606
County Executive

Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk issued the following statement regarding an expected vote in the State Senate Tuesday on SB-197. The legislation is similar to a Dane County ordinance that took effect January 1, 2005; the first countywide ordinance in Wisconsin that limited the sale of fertilizers containing phosphorus. (Madison)…“As County Executive of the first county in Wisconsin to pass a ban on phosphorus, I commend the state legislature’s attention to this important step we can take to improve the health of our lakes. Since Dane County’s ban took effect three years ago, retailers and homeowners have worked fabulously together to reduce the amount of phosphorus that goes into our lakes. Their shared goal of having healthier lakes ensures families will be able to enjoy these natural treasures for generations to come. Dane County’s ordinance is similar to the legislation considered by the State Senate today. I thank Senator Mark Miller for his leadership on this issue and look forward to continued joint efforts between local and state government to protect and improve the quality of our lakes.” # # #