Madison, WI – The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) today thanked Governor Tony Evers for signing Assembly Bills 130 and 131 into law, landmark legislation that provides long-needed clarity on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) liability standards while unlocking more than $133 million in funding dedicated to PFAS remediation across Wisconsin.
Authored by Senator Eric Wimberger (R-Gillett) and Representative Jeff Mursau (R-Crivitz), the bills passed unanimously in both the Assembly and Senate, underscoring the strong bipartisan support behind this effort. The new laws establish clear standards to ensure food processors operating in full compliance with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) permits are not unfairly held responsible for contamination they did not create, while also creating new programs and funding to help communities respond to PFAS contamination.
Wisconsin dairy processors operate under wastewater permits issued by the WDNR, including Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permits, which require rigorous monitoring and reporting to protect water quality. The legislation appropriately recognizes this robust regulatory framework and provides critical certainty that farms and food processors are not subject to PFAS liability when wastewater management practices fully comply with those permits.
“Dairy processors are committed to caring for our environment while growing their businesses and local economies,” said Rebekah Sweeney, WCMA Senior Director of Programs and Policy. “This legislation provides the regulatory certainty businesses need to plan, invest, and create jobs – while ensuring companies that follow federal and state requirements are protected from unwarranted liability. Clear, consistent standards are essential to maintaining Wisconsin’s competitiveness and enabling continued growth in dairy processing.”
WCMA members strongly supported the legislation and worked closely with lawmakers and the Governor’s office to advocate for commonsense protections for responsible food processors. WCMA thanks Governor Evers for signing the bills into law and applauds the leadership of Senator Wimberger and Representative Mursau for advancing these measures through the Legislature.
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