Only Candidate in the 16th Senate
Race Dedicated to
Improving the Environmental Health of Our
Communities.
Madison—Today State Representative Mark
Miller (D) was endorsed by over twenty-five conservation and
environmental leaders as their candidate for the 16th
Senate District. Last month, the Sierra Club, Clean Wisconsin
Action Fund and the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters
announced Mark was one of only eight legislators across the state
with a 100% record for the 2003-2004 session on protecting the
environment.
“There is no
greater friend of our land, air and water than Mark Miller. People
who care about a healthy environment can count on Mark to advocate
thoughtfully and forcefully for the environment,” stated Denny
Caneff, an advocate for Wisconsin waterways.
“Mark Miller is
perhaps the most responsive elected official I have had the pleasure
of contacting in my 18 year career surrounding conservation issues,”
said environmental activist Ricardo Jomarron.
In receiving the
support from the environmental leaders, Miller stated: “I appreciate
all the hard work of these community leaders and their
organizations. We are at an important time in our country’s
history. The White House continues to roll back many of our
significant environmental protections. Wisconsin must remain strong
and protect our natural resources for our health, our economy and
for our children. We need to make sure that Wisconsin stays a
vibrant, healthy and beautiful place to live.”
“When it comes to
environmental issues, Mark Miller is always on the frontline,”
explained recycling advocate David Wood. “He is not afraid to do
the right thing, because his knowledge and research on the issues
guide him.”
Not only did Miller
vote to protect Wisconsin’s natural resources, he also introduced,
cosponsored and worked behind the scenes on major environmental
issues. Most notable in this past session was his relentless
commitment to passing the Environmental Results Program legislation,
a program that encourages businesses to meet and exceed
environmental standards. In a year when many important issues were
set aside due to partisan fights, this pro-environment and
pro-business bill was signed into law by the Governor. Miller also
helped raise the profile of toxic mercury emissions and led the
fight against baiting and feeding to prevent the spread of Chronic
Wasting Disease. Two years ago when the United States Supreme Court
ruled wetlands were not guaranteed protection from development under
the Clean Water Act, Miller fought tirelessly to ensure Wisconsin
passed legislation to preserve our wetlands.
“Mark Miller is a
hard-working legislator who never gives up on important issues. His
dedication to environmental protection, good public policy, and
common sense is effective and well respected by everyone,” said
Sarah Lloyd, Columbia County Supervisor.
As a state
representative, Miller introduced several comprehensive bills this
session working collaboratively with citizen groups and legislators
from both parties. He was the lead author and first elected
official to introduce and raise the issue of renewable energy this
past session. Assembly Bill 698 would require the state to create
and utilize more renewable energy by increasing the renewable
portfolio standard (RPS) 10% over ten years. Miller also introduced
a bill to deal with the disposal of electronic waste. He was also
the lead author on the Aldo Leopold Bill, which designates the first
weekend in March Aldo Leopold Weekend and encourages communities to
continue educating their members on the importance of land
conservation.
“If you examine the
environmental legislation Mark Miller has introduced, there is no
doubt he is committed to long-term solutions to real problems,”
remarked Bill Pielsticker, a board member on the League of
Conservation Voters. “His thoughtful look at complex environmental
issues is the only way we are going to protect our environment and
the health of future generations.”
Supporters include:
Mike Barrett, Denny Caneff, Calvin DeWitt, Betsy Haynes, Tom
Heberlein, Brian Joiner, Ricardo Jomarron, Sharon Lezberg, Dave
Lindorff, Phil & Libby Lewis, Sarah Lloyd, Charlie Luthin, Heather
Mann, Al Matano, Peter McKeever, Bill & Kathy Pielsticker, Pam
Porter, Josie Pradella, John Reindl, Stephen Steinhoff, Robbie
Webber, Anne Wellman, and David Wood. Dane County Executive
Kathleen Falk and Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz also endorse
Miller.
Representative
Miller has served in the legislature since 1998 and currently serves
on the Assembly Natural Resources Committee and the Wisconsin
Environmental Education Board. He is a former member of the
Assembly Environment Committee and co-founder of Madison Eco-Teams,
now known as EnAct.