MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The state Department of Natural Resources wants to eliminate nearly a dozen rules to comply with Republican Gov. Scott Walker's order to identify language hindering businesses.
Walker ordered all state agencies in February to review their rules and change any language that burdens small businesses.
DNR officials launched an initial review in April. They identified 11 rules they say are obsolete, including limits on mercury discharges, restrictions on hunting in the Horicon wildlife refuge and air permit fees.
They say the rules duplicate other rules or govern programs that no longer exist and eliminating the language won't harm the environment.
The agency plans to complete a comprehensive review by next spring. The Natural Resources Board ultimately would have to sign off on any changes.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
