Wisconsin Governor Presses for $125M Release to Tackle PFAS Pollution

Governor Tony Evers urges Republican lawmakers to unlock funds aimed at combating widespread contamination from 'forever chemicals' across the state.

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers reiterates his intention to veto a Republican bill that proposes grants to address pollution from 'forever chemicals', instead asking for the release of $125 million allocated for environmental regulators.
Evers emphasizes the urgency of addressing PFAS contamination in Wisconsin communities, highlighting the health risks associated with these chemicals, including low birth weight, cancer, and liver disease.
Despite the creation of a $125 million trust fund by Republicans to combat PFAS pollution, the funds have remained unreleased, leaving municipalities to grapple with contamination issues.
The governor's request for fund release is framed as a compromise, promising to adhere to the parameters of the proposed bill while ensuring the Department of Natural Resources retains the authority to hold polluters accountable.
Environmental groups support Evers' stance, urging a veto of the legislation due to concerns over limits on the Department of Natural Resources' enforcement capabilities.