Gov. Scott Walker says he'll sign a bill that relaxes regulations on high-capacity wells.
The bill would exempt well repairs, replacements, reconstructions and ownership transfers from Department of Natural Resources oversight. It also would require the DNR to study lakes and streams in the central sands region to determine whether special measures are needed to protect ground and surface waters from depletion.
Opponents argue high-capacity wells are draining lakes and streams in the central sands and the bill will protect problem wells forever. Supporters say central sands farmers need water for irrigation and deserve regulatory certainty.
The Assembly was set to take the final votes on the bill Tuesday before sending it on to Walker. The governor told reporters before debate began in the chamber that he'll sign the bill because protecting the state's agriculture industry is a priority.