MADISON – Following the State Senate’s unanimous passage of the PFAS funding bill, Wisconsin Conservation Voters issued the following statement celebrating a major victory for clean drinking water. The legislation now heads to Gov. Tony Evers’ desk for his signature.
Peter Burress, Government Affairs Manager, had this to say:
“This is a monumental win for every Wisconsinite who believes that clean, safe drinking water is a fundamental right. For seven years, our members and partners in impacted communities like Campbell, Marinette, Peshtigo, Stella, and Wausau have refused to back down. Today, their persistence has secured $132 million in vital relief for our community water systems and private well owners.
This victory is the direct result of a sustained, grassroots movement. It also reflects the importance of fair maps. Wisconsin Conservation Voters members, in partnership with over 60 stakeholders, sent thousands of emails, knocked on doors, and held legislators accountable to ensure this funding was not tied to ‘poison pills’ that would have protected polluters at the expense of public health. Thank you to Gov. Evers, the Department of Natural Resources, Rep. Mursau, and Sen. Wimberger for coming together to get this legislation to the finish line.
Our members demanded substantive progress on safe drinking water, and they won. By securing nearly 90 percent of our $1 billion water infrastructure goal this session, we have proven that when we organize, we can overcome gridlock and protect our natural resources for generations to come. While there is more work to do to hold polluters fully accountable, today we celebrate a victory for the people and water of Wisconsin.”
