Black, the green crusader

Contributing writer David Tenenbaum's cover profile on state Rep. Spencer Black notes that the former Sierra Club lobbyist, first elected in 1984, has distinguished himself as the Legislature's most outspoken environmentalist. Black, representing Madison's west side, chairs the Assembly Natural Resources Committee, played leading roles in the push for the state's $250 million Stewardship Fund and protection for the Lower Wisconsin River, and is chief sponsor of a statewide recycling bill. "He's left a real mark on this state," says Rep. Joe Wineke (D-Verona), but Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce czar Jim Haney calls Black "terribly ineffective because of his rather extreme environmental views." Black says his views are in step with constituents. Now serving his 13th term in office, Black chairs the Assembly Natural Resources Committee and co-chairs the Special Committee on Clean Energy Jobs.