Signed by Governor: Protecting Health Care Professionals, Banning PFAS-Containing Firefighting Foam

After several floor sessions this month and in January, there are many bills awaiting the governor’s review. Gov. Tony Evers recently signed into law several notable bills: SB 310 (2019 Act 101) prohibits the use of firefighting foams that contain intentionally added PFAS in training, unless the testing facility has appropriate containment and treatment measures. […]

Continue Reading ›

PFAS Update: Regulations Moving in Legislature & DNR

Regulation of PFAS chemicals continues to develop in the Wisconsin Legislature and state agencies. Last week the Legislature passed a bill regulating PFAS-containing firefighting foams. Meanwhile, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) proposed rulemaking has been approved by the DNR Board. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are man-made chemicals found in many everyday products, including […]

Continue Reading ›

Water Quality Task Force Releases Recommendations

This month, the Speaker’s Task Force on Water Quality released their bipartisan report and recommendations after holding public hearings throughout the state over the summer. The report proposes 13 new bills related to water quality and endorses several others already introduced in the Legislature. The Task Force has introduced the following bills, many of which […]

Continue Reading ›

PFAS Update: AG Holds Listening Session in Marinette, Foam Bill Passes Committee

The Wisconsin Legislature and state agencies are continuing to address PFAS chemicals. Recently, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul held a listening session on PFAS in Marinette. Meanwhile, an Assembly Committee has passed a bill to address PFAS in firefighting foams. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are man-made chemicals found in many everyday products, including nonstick […]

Continue Reading ›

Rep. Neubauer Releases Climate Change Package

This week, Rep. Greta Neubauer (D-Racine) released a package of bills to address climate change in Wisconsin. The “Forward on Climate” package addresses carbon emissions, investment in renewable energy, weatherization, and sustainable farming.   Social Cost of Carbon LRB 4811 would require the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) to consider the social cost of […]

Continue Reading ›

PFAS Update: WI Agency Advisory Council Meets, EPA Action

In addition to last month’s comment period on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) initial scope statements seeking to regulate PFAS, Wisconsin and federal agencies are continuing to progress toward regulation of these substances. At the state level, Gov. Tony Evers has convened a multi-agency advisory council to address PFAS. At the federal level, […]

Continue Reading ›

DNR Holds Public Hearing on PFAS Scope Statements

On Nov. 12, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) held a preliminary public hearing on three scope statements seeking to regulate PFAS chemicals in Wisconsin. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are man-made chemicals that are found in many everyday products, including nonstick pans, cleaning products, paints, and firefighting foam. The most extensively studied PFAS compounds […]

Continue Reading ›

PFAS Update: DNR Board Votes on Scope Statements, Agency Water Recommendations

Proposed regulations of PFAS compounds are continuing to move through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Meanwhile, other agencies have made recommendations to the governor on these PFAS chemicals and other clean water issues. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are manufactured chemicals found in many everyday products, including nonstick pans, cleaning products, paints, and […]

Continue Reading ›

Gov. Evers Creates Climate Change Task Force

On Oct. 17, Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #52, creating a Task Force on Climate Change. The task force is charged with advising the governor in developing a strategy on climate change by: Evaluating the science surrounding the impacts of climate change on Wisconsin citizens and the environment. Reviewing actions on climate change already […]

Continue Reading ›

Gov. Evers Urges Congress to Act on PFAS

On Sept. 18, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers joined a bipartisan group of 14 other governors in asking congressional armed services committees to include several provisions related to PFAS in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are manufactured chemicals that are found in many everyday products, including nonstick pans, cleaning products, paints, […]

Continue Reading ›