MADISON – Late yesterday, a Waukesha County Circuit Judge effectively halted the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) from holding polluters responsible for the PFAS contamination of drinking water in communities across Wisconsin by requiring them to clean up the contaminations. Now, the DNR will need to seek the approval of the State Legislature to regulate any “forever chemicals,” also known as PFAS, which will prevent the agency from quickly addressing groundwater contamination. State Treasurer and candidate for U.S. Senate Sarah Godlewski condemned this ruling that clearly puts polluting corporations before Wisconsin families that have already suffered from PFAS contamination for too long.
“Growing up in western Wisconsin, if you wronged someone, you made it right yourself, and that’s exactly what should happen here – irresponsible corporate polluters should be paying for the harm they’ve caused, not individual communities or the state, and it’s frustrating to see them get a pass,” said Sarah Godlewski. “As Senator, I will fight to hold polluters accountable when they contaminate Wisconsin drinking water and help pass stronger standards to protect our communities.”
PFAS pollution impacts every part of Wisconsin and it’s top of mind for Sarah. As part of her rural plan, Sarah called for banning future PFAS use and holding corporations accountable for contaminations in order to safeguard drinking water. She also held a roundtable discussion last year with Peshtigo community members to learn more about how these toxic chemicals have threatened public health.
