Wisconsin Republicans ignore governor’s call to spend $125M to combat so-called forever chemicals

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers is facing pushback from Republicans in the state Legislature after his latest attempt to secure funding to combat PFAS, or so-called “forever chemicals,” was dismissed. Despite invoking a rarely used power to call a meeting of the Joint Finance Committee, which is controlled by Republicans, Evers was met with a lack of participation from GOP members.

The $125 million in funding was previously approved in the state budget but has yet to be released. Evers, frustrated by the inaction, made an unannounced appearance in the Capitol hearing room to criticize the Republican committee members for their lack of response.

In response to the Republican refusal to release the funds, Evers is considering taking legal action, potentially suing the Legislature to compel them to take action on the issue. The ongoing stalemate between Evers and the Legislature underscores the challenges in addressing PFAS contamination in Wisconsin, which has affected groundwater in numerous communities.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made chemicals known for their persistence in the environment. These chemicals have been linked to various health issues, including low birth weight, cancer, liver disease, and reduced vaccine effectiveness. Several municipalities in Wisconsin, such as Marinette, Madison, Wausau, and the town of Campbell on French Island, are grappling with PFAS contamination in their groundwater.

Despite the known health risks associated with PFAS exposure, Republicans have expressed concerns about granting the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources the authority to spend the allocated funds, citing fears of creating a “slush fund.” This disagreement highlights the difficulty in finding consensus on how best to address the PFAS crisis in the state.

Evers’ veto of a Republican bill aimed at combating PFAS pollution further illustrates the divide between the governor and the GOP-controlled Legislature on this issue. The governor’s efforts to prioritize addressing PFAS contamination have been met with resistance, creating a standstill in the state’s response to this environmental and public health threat.

The ongoing political and legal battles surrounding PFAS funding in Wisconsin underscore the challenges in addressing emerging environmental contaminants and protecting public health. As the state grapples with the impact of PFAS contamination on its communities, the need for bipartisan cooperation and decisive action is more apparent than ever.

Written by staticwire