Toni Herkert, the Government Affairs Director of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, released the following statement after the unanimous Senate action on Assembly Bills 130 and 131 today. This legislation also passed the Assembly on a 93-0 vote on Friday, February 20th and now heads to the Governor’s desk.
“Together, Assembly Bills 130 and 131 deliver vital financial support and liability protections to municipalities of all sizes across the state who simply provide the critical services of reclamation of wastewater, provision of safe drinking water, collection of residential waste, promotion of redevelopment, and suppression of fires during emergencies. Municipalities do not manufacture PFAS – we’re passive receivers of this emerging contaminant and it was only used when necessary for the protection of life and property during a flammable liquid fire or training for these complex and dangerous operations.
“The number of communities impacted by PFAS contamination continues to grow. Ratepayers and residents cannot be solely on the hook for the full cost of tackling the PFAS problem. The League and our members asked the Legislature to form a partnership that begins with protections from enforcement and includes financial assistance. The Legislature answered the call. Thank you to the authors, Senator Eric Wimberger and Representative Jeff Mursau, and all the co-sponsors and supporters of this landmark initiative!
“The authors not only have championed this important legislation and stayed in constant communication and collaboration with the League, but they have also committed dozens of hours working with the Governor and his administration to foster this compromise. We appreciate Senator Wimberger, Representative Mursau, Governor Evers, and the DNR dedicating the time necessary to ensure Wisconsin will see meaningful progress on PFAS.
“We’re excited this action is based on municipalities being treated as partners, not polluters, in our state’s continued response to this growing problem. We look forward to the Governor’s signature on ABs 130 and 131. Cities and villages of all sizes in all corners of Wisconsin are grateful for the Legislature’s bipartisan action and all who made it possible.”
