PFAS ‘poison pill’ bill SB 312 is bad legislation deserving of veto
MADISON – The PFAS-related bill SB 312 that includes a “poison pill” which would degrade the state’s ability to hold polluters accountable should be vetoed by Gov. Tony Evers. The Joint Finance Committee should release the already approved $125 million.
Government Affairs Manager Peter Burress explained the current situation this way:
“Too many Wisconsinites are facing the serious health-related risks associated with PFAS-poisoned drinking water. Those include increased risk of complications with pregnancy, childhood obe
“Last week, the Assembly passed Senate Bill 312, which would create a new loophole for PFAS polluters, force private well owners to compete for funding with commercial and industrial properties, and provide no guarantee that any of the $125 million passed in the biennial budget would actually be distributed to impacted communities. This is bad legislation that could severely undermine long term PFAS remediation efforts. We urge Gov. Evers to veto it.
“Meanwhile, thanks to Gov. Evers and the hard-working staff at the DNR, we already have a commonsense path for quickly supporting impacted communities – without building a polluter loophole into Wisconsin law. In December 2023, the DNR submitted a formal request to the Joint Finance Committee urging it to release the $125 million in approved funds to fight PFAS statewide. We urge the Joint Finance Committee to release these funds so that the money can get to people who need it.”
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
More about the PFAS Problem
- PFAS in Foam Far Worse Than Water in Wisconsin’s Rivers, Lakes - Danielle Kaeding - Jul 10th, 2024
- Lawmakers At Odds Over Releasing Health, PFAS Funds - Erik Gunn - Jun 6th, 2024
- Wisconsin Senate Votes to Override Governor’s Vetoes - Baylor Spears - May 15th, 2024
- Gov. Evers Sues Republican Legislators for Continued Obstruction of Investments Intended to Address Pressing Challenges Facing Wisconsin - Gov. Tony Evers - May 13th, 2024
- Legislators Agree on Opioid Plan, Still Withhold PFAS, Hospital Funds - Erik Gunn - May 8th, 2024
- Gov. Evers Again Calls Republican Lawmakers into Special Meeting to Urge Immediate Release of $140 Million to Fight PFAS Statewide, Respond to Hospital Closures in Western Wisconsin - Gov. Tony Evers - May 6th, 2024
- The State of Politics: Voters Worried About PFAS in Water - Steven Walters - Apr 22nd, 2024
- EPA Slaps Two PFAS Chemicals With Superfund Law Designation - Danielle Kaeding - Apr 19th, 2024
- DNR Responds To EPA’s Designation Of PFOA And PFOS As Hazardous Substances - Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - Apr 19th, 2024
- Evers Won’t Rule Out Court Challenge to Force Release of PFAS Funds - Danielle Kaeding - Apr 16th, 2024
Read more about PFAS Problem here