Governor Tony Evers of Wisconsin is contemplating a lawsuit to compel Republicans to release funds for combating PFAS contamination.
Laura Schulte reports for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
In short:
- Governor Evers criticized Republican members of the Joint Finance Committee for skipping a crucial meeting meant to unlock PFAS remediation funds.
- He vetoed a bill that restricted the Department of Natural Resources' ability to utilize a $125 million PFAS trust fund, pushing for fewer constraints.
- Evers highlighted the plight of French Island residents who have been using bottled water due to PFAS contamination in their wells.
Key quote:
"It seems ridiculous that we need to go to the court for relief. You have an obligation to release (the funding), and it seems we are wasting time and energy of the people of Wisconsin."
— Tony Evers, Governor of Wisconsin
Why this matters:
Governor Evers, much like other governors across the nation, finds himself embroiled in a contentious battle with the GOP over releasing funds to combat PFAS contamination. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have emerged as a potent environmental and public health concern due to their persistence and potential harm to human health, but the issue is far from a straightforward matter of allocating resources.
Be sure to read Kristina Marusic’s 2022 piece: PFAS is the latest toxic concern for those living near fracking.
