Bob Wise on Environment

Former Democratic Governor; previously Representative (WV-2)

Create cabinet Environment post; end tradeoff with economy

It was the prevailing wisdom in the last century, and in previous generations, that economic growth carried the price of environmental sacrifice. We in West Virginia often divided ourselves into two camps - energy on one side, environment on the other. In so doing, we lost sight of a basic truth: we will share the future of West Virginia together. It is my goal to put behind us the era of divisiveness on the issue of West Virginia’s environment. All of us who love West Virginia - whether we work at behind a desk or a dozer, at a coal mine or a corporate headquarters - love our hills, our rivers, our woods and our valleys. We can have a clean environment-and we can have good paying jobs. And there must be no higher economic development priority- therefore-I ask you to elevate the Director of the Division of Environmental Protection to the post of secretary, and add this official to the Governor’s Cabinet to emphasize the importance of environmental protection. Source: 2001 State of the State Address to West Virginia Legislature , Feb 14, 2001

More state autonomy on brownfields & Superfund cleanups.

Wise adopted the National Governors Association position paper:

The Issue

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), otherwise known as Superfund, was created to clean up the worst hazardous waste sites across the country and to recoup expenses from responsible parties. Since the law was enacted in 1980, the Superfund program has caused significant amounts of litigation, while cleanup of hazardous waste sites has not been as fast or effective as the statute envisioned. In addition, states have not had the necessary tools or funding from the federal government to adequately clean up state sites. “Brownfields” sites—abandoned or undeveloped non-Superfund industrial or commercial sites under state jurisdiction—have gained increasing attention from Congress in recent years as passage of a comprehensive Superfund package has become increasingly unlikely.

NGA’s Position

NGA supports the reauthorization of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980. NGA policy calls for more opportunities for states to take authority for cleanup of National Priorities List (NPL) sites, increased autonomy and funding over brownfield sites, and the concurrence of a Governor before a site can be listed on the NPL. Source: National Governors Association "Issues / Positions" 01-NGA15 on Aug 1, 2001

Support State Revolving Loan Fund for flexible Clean Water.

Wise adopted the National Governors Association position paper:

The Issue

The Clean Water Act (CWA) has not been reauthorized since 1987. At that time, provisions were added to address nonpoint source pollution, pollution from diffuse sources such as runoff of fertilizers and pesticides, stormwater runoff, and sediment. Governors and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) disagree on the best approach to addressing the problem of nonpoint source pollution.

NGA’s Position

NGA supports the reauthorization of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 (the Clean Water Act). The Governors support an increased focus on watershed management planning, including funding for the State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) and nonpoint source pollution programs. States should have the flexibility to develop plans for attaining federally approved water quality standards in impaired waters - in consultation with local government officials and stakeholders - and to allocate responsibility for cleanup among contributors. The TMDL regulations should be revised, by legislation if necessary, to give states adequate flexibility, funding, and time to address impaired waters. Source: National Governors Association "Issues / Positions" 01-NGA9 on Aug 1, 2001

Supports national drought policy, focusing on readiness.

Wise signed the Southern Governors' Association resolution:

Whereas, the recent severe drought conditions throughout the South have created life-threatening situations as well as financial burdens for both government and individuals, and drought conditions are expected to persist in several states in the South;
Whereas, the effects of drought build up and last for several years and, therefore, government programs to address other natural disasters are not well suited to prepare for or respond to droughts;
Whereas, extremely dry conditions have led to numerous forest and rangeland fires, burning tens of thousands of acres of land, destroying homes and communities and eliminating critical habitats for wildlife;
Whereas, the impacts of drought follow no political boundary and drought assistance programs occur at both state and federal levels of government, making it essential to cooperatively plan for and implement measures that will provide relief from current drought situations and prepare for future drought emergencies;
Whereas, a national drought policy is needed, and the National Drought Policy Commission (NDPC) has issued a report emphasizing moving from relief to readiness; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, the southern governors call upon the Congress to adopt a coordinated, integrated national drought program that
- emphasizes preparedness over insurance, insurance over relief, and incentives over regulation;
- coordinates drought programs and response between federal and nonfederal entities by creating a coordinating council with meaningful participation by regionally-balanced nonfederal representation, and that this council continue to identify and close gaps in the availability of federal programs in different regions; and
- includes a crop insurance program that would make it practicable and prudent for all types of farmers in all areas of the country to obtain coverage.

Source: Resolution of Southern Governor's Assn. on NDPC 01-SGA10 on Sep 9, 2001

Maintain water flow in Mississippi & Missouri Rivers.

Wise signed the Southern Governors' Association resolution:

Whereas, the flow of commerce on the Mississippi River is essential to the economic welfare of the nation;
Whereas, the USDA reports that 70% of the nation’s total grain exports were handled through Mississippi River port elevators;
Whereas, free movement of water-borne commerce on the Inland Waterway System is critical to the delivery of goods to deep-water ports for international trade;
Whereas, the reliability of adequate flows for navigation is a key requirement for fulfillment of delivery contracts, employment in ports and terminals, and energy efficiency;
Whereas, delays and stoppages would threaten the successful implementation of international trade agreements under NAFTA and GATT;
Whereas, the Missouri River contributes up to 65% of the Mississippi River flow at St. Louis during low water conditions;
Whereas, reduction of Missouri River flows above St. Louis would result in more frequent and more costly impediments to the flow of commerce on the Mississippi River;
Whereas, the reach of the Mississippi River between St. Louis and Cairo, Illinois is at highest risk for delays and stoppages of navigation because of low-water conditions; and
Whereas, the US Army Corps of Engineers is considering several proposed alterations to the current edition of the Master Water Control Manual for the Missouri River that would reduce support of water-borne commerce by restricting the flow of the river during the summer and fall, low-water period at St. Louis; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Southern Governors’ Association would strongly oppose any alterations that would have such an effect and would urge the Corps to consult with affected inland waterway states prior to endorsing any proposal that would alter the current edition of the manual.

Source: Resolution of Southern Governor's Assn. on Mississippi River 01-SGA14 on Feb 27, 2001

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*Other governors on Environment:*		*Bob Wise on other issues:*
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Page last updated: Nov 21, 2011