Wisconsin bill would ban rights of nature ordinances

Governor Tony Evers vetoed Senate Bill 420 on March 20, which would have banned Wisconsin cities, villages, towns, and counties from passing "rights of nature" ordinances.[1][7] The Republican-backed measure aimed to prevent local governments from granting legal rights to natural elements like rivers, forests, or ecosystems, such as the right to exist or resist pollution.[7][10] Evers rejected it outright, citing the need to protect local control amid climate challenges affecting crops, recreation, and weather extremes.[1]

The bill, authored by Sen. Steve Nass and Rep. Joy Goeben, responded to a national trend where over 30 localities in 10 states have explored such ordinances, including Milwaukee County's 2023 resolution on protecting waterways.[10] Proponents argued it safeguarded constitutional principles, property rights, and human standing in court, noting bans already in Florida, Ohio, Utah, and Idaho.[10] Evers countered that the veto preserves municipalities' ability to innovate against climate change, while critics like Goeben called it an elevation of nature over people.[2]

For Milwaukee residents, this keeps open doors for environmental protections in a city surrounded by Lake Michigan and prone to flooding, allowing potential local measures to bolster waterway health without state override.[10] It underscores tensions between development interests and climate resilience in the Badger State.

The veto stands unless the Legislature musters a two-thirds majority to override, a tough hurdle given partisan divides.[1]