Legislator Spotlight: Representative Katrina Shankland, Wisconsin

What motivated you to get involved with environmental issues?

Protecting our environment for future generations is more than a moral responsibility – it is a necessity. My concerns for our environment were a driving factor in my decision to run for office, and once elected, I was determined to make the most of it by working directly on the environmental issues impacting Portage County and Central Wisconsin, most notably the issue of water quality and clean energy. My district has a tremendous College of Natural Resources at UW-Stevens Point, the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, Farmshed – which connects consumers with their local farmers – and so many more sustainability leaders in our state and country. I’m proud to work with them to advance policies to protect our shared natural resources.

What environmental issues are you most passionate about and why? How have you worked in the legislature to address these issues?

In Central Wisconsin, the issue of water quality is of crucial importance, since one in four private wells are contaminated above the health standard. As a lifelong resident of Wisconsin, I have witnessed the direct impacts of contamination stemming from PFAS, nitrate, bacteria, and other contaminants. While serving in the Legislature as a co-chair of the Speaker’s Task Force on Water Quality and as the ranking member of the Assembly Environment Committee, I have consistently worked across the aisle to pass meaningful legislation into law that addresses our state’s water quality challenges, including new incentives for cover crop insurance, optimizing nitrogen loading, and supporting farmer-led water quality initiatives.

How has NEC helped you in your work?

NEC has been a terrific partner and resource for me and other legislators as we work to craft legislation that remedies the most pressing environmental challenges in our state. The expertise and experience of the NEC staff, combined with the educational opportunities offered to legislators, is very beneficial. I especially have appreciated NEC’s annual conference and the opportunity to learn from other states’ best practices and network with other state legislators from both parties.

What is your greatest environmental policy success story?

Throughout my time in the Legislature, I have worked hard to pass meaningful bipartisan bills that address the issue of water quality in Wisconsin. This work led the Republican Speaker of the House to appoint me as Vice Chair to the Speaker’s Task Force on Water Quality, where we traveled the state, holding 14 publics hearings, listening to communities and learning about their unique water quality challenges. I worked with members across the aisle in both legislative chambers to draft, introduce, and pass a number of bills that have significantly improved water quality in many communities throughout Wisconsin. Last summer, I also worked with Governor Evers to launch an enhanced well compensation grant program to reimburse homeowners, renters, and business owners with the cost of repairing and replacing their contaminated private wells and treating their drinking water. Everyone deserves clean drinking water, and that will continue to be my focus in the Legislature.