Cieslewicz statement praising ruling to uphold phosphorus ban

The U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals today upheld Madison's and Dane County's ordinances restricting fertilizers containing phosphorus. The Court affirmed Judge Barbara Crabb's decision that the ordinances properly regulated fertilizers and did not improperly regulate pesticides. Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz issued the following statement in support of the ruling. "Today's ruling is a significant step forward in improving the water quality of Madison lakes. The phosphorus ban is an important part of a long-term battle that we must continue to fight if we want our children and grandchildren to enjoy Madison lakes. We need to build on this important ruling with a comprehensive set of strategies, which includes efforts such as increased street sweeping and the new City program to build 1,000 rain gardens," Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said.