6-6-23 republican lawmakers propose plan to combat pfas pollution in wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin are proposing a new plan to address pollution from PFAS chemicals. The state Senate’s natural resources plan held a public hearing Monday on a bill from Sen. Robert Cowles and Rep. Eric Wimberger that would create grant programs; curtail regulations on the chemicals; mandate studying options for treating contaminated water; streamline permitting for upgrades to public water utilities to address the chemicals; and allow utilities to charge more to extend service to polluted areas. The bill would tap a $125 million legislative fund created in the 2023-25 state budget to fund efforts to combat PFAS pollution. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made chemicals that don’t break down easily in nature.