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 […]
PFAS Update: DNR Board Votes on Scope Statements, Agency Water Recommendations
Date Fri, Oct. 25, 2019 - 11:08am By Hamilton
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 […]
Gov. Evers Creates Climate Change Task Force
Date Fri, Oct. 25, 2019 - 10:04am By Hamilton
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 […]
Gov. Evers Urges Congress to Act on PFAS
Date Mon, Oct. 7, 2019 - 3:24pm By Hamilton
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, […]
EPA Finalizes WOTUS Revisions
Date Mon, Sep. 16, 2019 - 10:15am By Hamilton
On Sept. 12, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the final rule repealing the 2015 definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act. The revised rule is intended to increase predictability and stability in water pollution enforcement. Since the Clean Water Act was originally enacted, there has been ambiguity […]
Water Quality Task Force Meets in Northern Wis. to Discuss PFAS
Date Mon, Sep. 16, 2019 - 10:08am By Hamilton
After meeting in 15 locations around the state, the Speaker’s Task Force on Water Quality has likely wrapped up its public hearings. Below is an update on the last four meetings in northern Wisconsin, where the task force discussed several topics, including PFAS. Green Bay On Aug. 28, the task force met in Green […]
PFAS Update: Evers EO, DNR Scope Statements, Hearing on Fire Fighting Foam Bill
Date Mon, Sep. 16, 2019 - 9:54am By Hamilton
Regulation of PFAS compounds is quickly moving forward in Wisconsin at both the legislative and administrative rule levels. 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. PFAS are present in the bloodstream of 98 percent of Americans. Competing studies […]
Water Quality Task Force Meets in Milwaukee
Date Thu, Aug. 22, 2019 - 10:43am By Hamilton
The Speaker’s Task Force on Water Quality met earlier this month in Milwaukee to discuss lead in drinking water, among other issues. (Agenda). Task force members began the day with a tour of the UW Milwaukee School of Freshwater Science. Legislators then heard from several presenters, starting with the Department of Health Services (DHS) and […]
Water Quality Task Force Continues to Meet Around the State
Date Fri, Aug. 2, 2019 - 10:42am By Hamilton
The Speaker’s Task Force on Water Quality is continuing to meet around the state to hear testimony from stakeholders and hold public hearings. Recent task force meetings have been held in Sturtevant, Tomahawk and Stevens Point. Sturtevant On July 11, the task force traveled to southeastern Wisconsin to hear about wastewater and cleanup programs. First, […]
DHS and DNR Release Strict PFAS Groundwater Standard
Date Wed, Jun. 26, 2019 - 5:25pm By Hamilton
The Department of Health Services (DHS), Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Department of Trade, Agriculture & Consumer Protection announced last week a recommended groundwater standard of 20 parts per trillion (ppt) combined for PFOA and PFOS. PFOA and PFOS are the most extensively produced and studied of a class of chemicals referred to as […]