Shankland named as lead legislator for environmental caucus

Rep. Katrina Shankland (D- Stevens Point) announced that she has been selected by the National Environmental Legislators (NCEL) to serve as the 2022 Wisconsin State Lead. 

The position requires strong dedication to sound environmental policy in Wisconsin and someone with a demonstrated leadership role. 

Shankland said in the role, she will work to coordinate relevant in-state events and grow NCEL's network of legislators to assist in advancing environmental issues.

Jeff Mauk, executive director of NCEL, said that State Leads are vital to promoting cross-state collaboration on environmental policy. 

"Having a legislator in each state to help facilitate NCEL's work is invaluable, as they can introduce legislators to emerging environmental topics and facilitate introductions with peers across the country, creating new avenues for cooperation and sharing lessons learned," he added. 

Shankland is a longtime member of the Caucus and said she's already been engaged with its training programs and conferences. 

"[I've] enjoyed learning from legislators from both parties and subject matter experts from across the country," she said. "What I've found most powerful about these opportunities through NCEL to connect and collaborate with legislators is sharing successful strategies and approaches to protecting our natural resources and advancing our conservation heritage. I'm honored to be named the 2022 Wisconsin State Lead for NCEL and look forward to building on this work. 

Created by and for state legislators, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that organizes over 1,200 environmentally-committed state legislators from all 50 states and both major parties. 

The group says it "provides venues and opportunities for lawmakers to share ideas and collaborate on their environmental priorities while embedding notions of equity and justice every step of the way."