PHOSPHOROUS BAN PASSES STATE ASSEMBLY

Since the beginning of the current legislative session, the Assembly has already passed a number of bills, some of which have been signed into law.  Among these bills is Assembly Bill 3, which would ban the sale and use of lawn fertilizer that contains phosphorous.  Upon passage, AB 3 was referred to the Senate Committee on the Environment where a public hearing is pending at this time.

Should AB 3 pass the full Senate and become law under Governor Doyle’s discretion, a statewide ban on the application of fertilizer containing phosphorous to lawns, golf courses, and other mowed grassy areas and turf will go into effect.  The ban will not apply to land used for agricultural production (unless the ground is frozen) or to soil within an area that has tested positive for a deficiency in phosphorous.  Additionally, under AB 3 retailers would be prohibited from displaying fertilizer that contains phosphorous; however, they may display a sign indicating that the fertilizer is available for purchase solely for the purposes allowed.

According to the Department of Natural Resources, phosphorous is considered the primary cause for the growth of algae and weeds within 80% of our state’s inland lakes.  While phosphorous has had positive results when used for lawn care and in plant nurseries, we are becoming more and more aware of the negative impact it has had in Wisconsin waters.  When grass and plants do not absorb more phosphorous than necessary, the excess amount seeps into the soil and flows into lakes and streams as run-off, polluting the water and killing fish and other species.  The polluted water also affects tourism and recreation, which in turn impacts area businesses that are dependent on seasonal visitors.

I voted in favor of AB 3 because I believe we need to focus on cleaning up our state’s lakes and streams while also supporting our trademark agricultural industry.  Not only is it important to maintain cleaner lakes and streams for the sake of our state’s wildlife, but I believe it is another positive step to take in getting our economy back on track.  The beautiful lakes, parks, and trails Wisconsin has to offer have always attracted thousands of visitors each year.  If we want to keep these visitors coming back and supporting our state’s economy, then we need to work to preserve the natural beauty of our lakes, streams, and surrounding environment.  That begins with limiting the use of phosphorous.

 Rep. Kerkman recently met with citizen lobbyists as part of Conservation Lobby Day at the Capitol.  Visitors included William Neuhaus, (right of Rep. Kerkman), Tim Fulton, Barry Thomas and Ron Rasmussen.