Madison, WI –  Earlier this week, it was indicated that the Legislative Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules would allow the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to implement proposed standards for PFAS.

PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of manufactured chemicals found in items like nonstick cookware, food and other packaging, firefighting foam, and more. PFAS have been linked to numerous health concerns, including certain cancers, reproductive problems and infertility, developmental delays, and more.

State Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) released the following statement in response:

“Across the state of Wisconsin, our communities are contaminated with PFAS. Wisconsin residents are lacking access to clean and safe water.

“While I am glad that my Republican colleagues have recognized that PFAS pollution is a very real public health crisis for folks all across Wisconsin and have allowed regulations to mitigate these contaminants in our water, these standards do not do nearly enough to protect our communities from these toxic chemicals.

“Despite recommendation by the DNR to adopt 20 parts per trillion as the groundwater standard in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board has approved a standard of 70 parts per trillion. Even the federal EPA has released stricter health advisories than what the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board has approved. We can’t settle for subpar regulations when it comes to people’s health and safety.

“Wisconsin has the capacity to be the gold standard for water quality in this country—but we’re coming up far short. I’m glad to see that Republican legislators are finally admitting to the fact that we must address PFAS contamination, but we have much further to go. Moving forward, I hope my colleagues and I can work earnestly together for greater clean water efforts in Wisconsin.”

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