The Wisconsin Dairy Alliance and Venture Dairy Cooperative have filed a lawsuit against Attorney General Josh Kaul. They challenge his decision to outsource environmental litigation work to an out-of-state special-interest group.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) made an agreement with New York University (NYU) to place an attorney. This attorney works in the Attorney General’s office and focuses on environmental litigation. NYU Law’s State Energy and Environmental Impact Center pays and employs this Special Assistant Attorney General.
Cindy Leitner, President of the Wisconsin Dairy Alliance, raised concerns about the agreement. “It is troubling that this privately funded attorney has the authority to impose fines and pursue criminal charges against our farmer members. This deal raises serious questions about the influence of special interest groups on state attorneys,” she said.
The lawsuit, filed in Calumet County, argues that the Attorney General lacked the authority to make this agreement. It claims the deal violates constitutional rights by denying due process and equal protection under the law.
Kim Bremmer, Executive Director of Venture Dairy Cooperative, emphasized the lawsuit’s importance. “Our farmers follow strict state regulations and deserve a fair process. The presence of a special interest attorney in government undermines that fairness,” she said. “Not only are we up against government resources, but now we must also defend our members from a billionaire with an agenda.”
The NYU State Energy and Environmental Impact Center, founded in 2017, receives funding from an organization linked to billionaire Michael Bloomberg. His policies often impact farmers, and he has publicly mocked their work and intelligence.
This lawsuit follows an ethics complaint regarding the Attorney General’s acceptance of a privately funded attorney. The dairy groups argue this represents an improper gift from a special interest group.
Read the full complaint here.