American Dairy Coalition urges investigation into privately funded attorneys

The American Dairy Coalition (ADC) is calling on state lawmakers to investigate the use of privately funded attorneys in government enforcement actions. The group expresses concern that these lawyers, who handle climate, clean energy, and environmental regulations, wield significant government power over sectors like agriculture.

The controversy follows a Wisconsin legislative investigation into the use of Special Assistant Attorneys General (SAAGs). These attorneys are part of a fellowship program operated by the State Energy & Environmental Impact Center at New York University School of Law, which pays their salaries and benefits while they work under state officials.

A Wisconsin legislative committee reported that the arrangement involving Attorney General Josh Kaul bypassed state hiring, budget, and oversight laws. The committee stated, “This arrangement created clear legal and ethical violations,” noting that these privately funded individuals exercised powers such as developing litigation strategies and negotiating settlements. Kaul has disputed these findings, maintaining the appointments were legal.