Regulating our natural resources provides economic benefits to the state and its people, as well as our resources.
Per the River Alliance of Wisconsin,”The estimated benefit to Wisconsin residents of implementing shoreland zoning rules is about $14M. The shoreland zoning rules analysis predicted the value of improved water clarity and increased enjoyment of clearer water (unfortunately the study left out the additional benefits from increased tourism, scenic beauty or improved habitat for wildlife). Economic costs included predicting the expense of bringing homes into compliance and costs to implement and enforce the rules.”
“Putting phosphorus rules into effect would have an even greater net economic benefit to Wisconsin residents of over $18M. According to the analysis of the phosphorus rules this means that each pound of phosphorus reduced by the regulations would bring $23.56 in benefits above the cost of reducing it. ”