State GOP Lawmakers Introducing Bill that Aims to Restart the Process for Setting Standards for PFAS in Groundwater

Tuesday, February 20th, 2024 -- 8:00 AM

(Danielle Kaeding, Wisconsin Public Radio) GOP lawmakers are introducing a bill that aims to restart the process for setting standards for toxic forever chemicals in groundwater after state environmental regulators were forced to abandon regulations late last year.

According to Danielle Kaeding with Wisconsin Public Radio, the legislation introduced by Green Bay Republican Sens. Eric Wimberger and Rob Cowles would let the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources move forward with groundwater standards for PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

PFAS are a class of thousands of synthetic chemicals used in cookware, food wrappers and firefighting foam. They don’t break down easily in the environment. High exposure to the chemicals has been linked to kidney and testicular cancers, fertility issues and other serious health problems.

“The costs of the groundwater standards could be significant. However, the benefits are substantial by finally stopping the spreading of biosolids contaminated by PFAS which leads to rural property values tanking and the potential for millions in remedial costs down the line,” the lawmakers wrote in a memo seeking co-sponsors for the bill.

“Additional benefits come from reduced or avoided health implications from the consumption of high levels of PFAS. Those financial costs and benefits were recognized nearly six years ago when this rulemaking process began, and remain true today.”

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