Conservation voters laud first step in addressing PFAS

May 18, 2023

MADISON – This evening, the Joint Finance Committee voted to allocate $125 million to a trust fund for PFAS, the harmful human-made chemicals that have been found in over 70 Wisconsin communities. These chemicals are tied to serious health impacts including increased risk of complications with pregnancy, childhood obesity, learning and behavioral issues, thyroid disease, heart disease, diabetes, and testicular cancer.

Government Affairs Manager Peter Burress had this to say:

“Wisconsin residents from across the state have come together to fight for their right to safe drinking water. For years, impacted Wisconsinites and conservation voters have been calling for substantive action on PFAS. Tonight's action by the Joint Finance Committee will hopefully begin to protect our communities from these dangerous forever chemicals.

“We still have work to do to ensure we pass the legislation that allows this funding to be spent and distributed to communities equitably and efficiently. We’re committed to continuing conversations with impacted community members, public health partners, and members in the legislature. We’re grateful to Governor Evers and members of the Joint Finance Committee for making progress on this issue."


For more information

Contact Ryan Billingham, Communications Director, Wisconsin Conservation Voters, 608-208-1129 (office), 608-213-6972 (mobile/text), or ryan@conservationvoters.org