MADISON (WKOW) -- The state Senate has passed a wetland developmental bill early Wednesday morning.
The chamber
passed the legislation on a 17-15 vote, with all Republicans voting in favor and all Democrats voting against.
Democratic Sen. Jon Erpenbach's motion to return the bill to
committee was rejected 15-17.
Republicans convened the Senate early Wednesday morning to take the
final vote on the proposal after Democrats refused to remove an
objection that held up that final vote for a day.
The Republican measure would allow developers to
submit mitigation plans to state environmental officials.
Conservationists fear state environmental regulators will feel pressure to accept the mitigation plans rather than insist developers avoid or minimize damage. Republicans counter the bill balances the environment and business.
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MADISON (WKOW) -- The state Senate will meet at 12:01 Wednesday morning to vote on a wetland development bill.
Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald forced the Senate to adjourn Tuesday after more than an hour of debate.
Lawmakers were on the last step before a vote, when Democratic Sen. Chris Larson of Milwaukee objected to the reading. That means the Senate cannot address the bill again until the next time it meets.
The Senate discussed other bills. Democratic Sen. Fred Risser of Madison moved to consider a bill to restore public workers' union rights.
In response, Republicans voted 17-16 to adjourn and return Wednesday morning.
