Evers Leadership on PFAS Welcome and Encouraging Print
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Written by Wisconsin Senate, Jay Wadd   
Saturday, 24 August 2019 08:01

greenbay-lakemichPFAS and similar compounds are called “forever chemicals” because once they get into the environment or a person’s body they don’t go away.


MADISON - State Senator Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay) praised Governor Evers for issuing an executive order aimed at taking action to address the growing PFAS crisis in Wisconsin. The Governor’s order comes during a time when residents in the Town of Peshtigo and neighboring area are dealing with PFAS contamination linked to fire suppression products made at the JCI/Tyco plant in Marinette.

PFAS and thousands of similar compounds are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because once they get into the environment or a person’s body they don’t go away. PFAS have been linked to human health problems including decreased immune response, complications with pregnancy, decreased fertility, thyroid disease and cancer.

dave-hansen-gb“PFAS compounds are extremely dangerous, so dangerous in fact that they are measured in parts per trillion rather than the more common measurement of parts per billion,” said Hansen. “I am extremely pleased to see that Governor Evers recognizes the danger to public health that these compounds pose and that he is taking action to address them.”

These man-made compounds can be found in nearly any part of the environment from ground and drinking water to surface water, lake and stream beds, air, and even in landfills and on farm fields.

“Those who are responsible for causing this type of contamination should be held accountable regardless of where these compounds are found. To do that, we need to establish standards beyond groundwater and drinking water just like our neighbors in Michigan and Minnesota have done. Governor Evers’ announcement is an important first step toward that goal.”

Hansen and Senator Mark Miller of Madison announced the introduction of the CLEAR Act, comprehensive PFAS legislation with Governor Evers earlier this year.