Senator Agard Statement: Senate Republicans Prioritize Polluters over People

MADISON – Today, the State Senate voted on SB 312, which would make a number of changes to state statutes regarding perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances and their regulation. Senate Democratic Leader Melissa Agard (D-Madison) released the following statement:

“We must act aggressively to mitigate the damaging effects of PFAS and protect our water sources for future generations. Wisconsin should be the gold standard for water quality. Unfortunately, my Republican colleagues are pushing forward an irresponsible proposal that would leave our drinking water less safe and communities more vulnerable.

“The legislation put forth by my Republican colleagues would put polluters over people, allowing corporations that have knowingly spread PFAS bio-solids to compete with innocent landowners for remediation grants. The legislation would also limit the DNR’s authority to test for PFAS, begin remediation, and hold polluters accountable for the mess they create. This is not the solution our state needs.

“Wisconsinites deserve a solution to the dangerous PFAS contaminants that have been identified in more than 120 communities statewide. For years, I have championed comprehensive legislation to prevent, test for, and remediate PFAS contamination – legislation that puts people first. Our Democratic amendment would have allocated necessary funding without protecting polluters or crippling the DNR’s enforcement authority, but it was rejected along party lines.

“We must work toward a PFAS solution that puts impacted people before corporate polluters and their allies.”

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.