Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel has hired a new leader for the state Department of Justice’s Environmental Protection Unit just as state fines for pollution violators are dropping.
The attorney general announced on Monday that Assistant Attorney General David P. Ross will be the new Environmental Protection Unit director.
The unit enforces state environmental laws by prosecuting violations referred by environmental regulatory agencies. Most of those referrals come from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
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The announcement comes as Gov. Scott Walker’s administration has come under fire from environmental advocates in recent months. In June, a state audit found the Department of Natural Resources sent notices for only 33 of more than 550 possible water pollution violations over the past 10 years.
Schimel said Monday the state Department of Justice takes its role protecting the environment seriously, citing Ross’ extensive experience in environmental compliance law.
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