GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Two area lawmakers have joined forces to introduce a bill aimed at addressing the growing issue of PFAS contamination.
State Senator Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay) and State Representative John Nygren (R-Marinette) say the bipartisan bill, which is supported by the Department of Natural Resources, will help Wisconsin better regulate the forever chemicals to ensure clean drinking water.
“While this bill is not the complete answer to the issue of PFAS contamination, it is a significant step forward in the state’s response to this emerging group of chemicals,” Sen. Hansen and Rep. Nygren wrote in a joint statement. “Unfortunately, Marinette and Peshtigo have become the epicenter of PFAS contamination in Wisconsin. This legislation shows that we can work together in a bipartisan fashion to solve complex regulatory issues. We look forward to working together to move this bill through the Legislature.”
Last week, Wisconsin Republicans approved a bill that would impose new requirements on the use of firefighting foams containing PFAS chemicals in an effort to curtail groundwater pollution. The bill goes next to Gov. Tony Evers.
In October, ‘low’ levels of PFAS were detected in the Peshtigo River. Johnson Controls admitted it used firefighting foam containing PFAS at its Tyco Fire Products testing facility in Marinette.
