Wisconsin lawmakers OK bill to tackle forever chemicals pollution, but governor isn’t on board
1 year ago

Wisconsin lawmakers OK bill to tackle forever chemicals pollution, but governor isn’t on board

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin state Assembly passed a bill Thursday that would unlock $125 million to help municipalities and landowners cope with pollution from so-called forever chemicals. Eric Wimberger and Rob Cowles and Rep. Jeffrey Mursau, have said the dollars would come out of a $125 million PFAS trust fund established in the current state budget. But Evers has balked at the bill largely because it contains provisions that he says would limit the state Department of Natural Resources’ ability to hold polluters accountable. Under the bill, the DNR would need landowners’ permission to test their water for PFAS and couldn’t take any enforcement action against landowners who spread PFAS in compliance with a license or permit.

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History of this topic

More people are drinking toxic “forever chemicals” than ever, EPA report finds
3 months, 3 weeks ago

More people are drinking toxic “forever chemicals” than ever, EPA report finds

Salon  

On Wednesday, the Environmental Protection Agency released newly-acquired data showing that over 143 million Americans are exposed to so-called “forever chemicals,” or PFAS. In the analysis, the EPA learned that 11 million more people are exposed to PFAS in their drinking water than was previously reported. In a paper cited by the EPA in their research, scientists publishing in the …

Maine’s biggest water district sues over so-called forever chemicals
9 months, 1 week ago

Maine’s biggest water district sues over so-called forever chemicals

Associated Press  

PORTLAND, Maine — The biggest water district in Maine is suing manufacturers of so-called forever chemicals in the hopes of recouping costs of monitoring and treating polluted wastewater. The Portland Water District lawsuit comes as the cost of the disposal of PFAS-contaminated sewage sludge has doubled from $1.6 million to $3.2 million over the last three years, and Portland has …

What you need to know about toxic 'forever chemicals' the EPA is restricting
10 months, 3 weeks ago

What you need to know about toxic 'forever chemicals' the EPA is restricting

Raw Story  

"What you need to know about toxic “forever chemicals” the EPA is restricting" was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. Nearly 50 public water systems across Texas have reported exceeding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s first-ever limits on …

Is It Too Late to Do Something About Dangerous “Forever Chemicals”?
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Is It Too Late to Do Something About Dangerous “Forever Chemicals”?

Slate  

For Esme Deprez, it started with waterproof mascara. “Researchers have found PFAS everywhere they’ve thought to look: the umbilical cords of newborns in Taiwan, the breastmilk of moms in Sweden, polar bears, even air and rainwater worldwide,” Deprez said. That’s why, last week, the Biden administration took what seemed like a big step toward eliminating the forever chemical threat by …

Wisconsin Republicans ignore governor’s call to spend $125M to combat ‘forever chemicals’
11 months ago

Wisconsin Republicans ignore governor’s call to spend $125M to combat ‘forever chemicals’

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Republicans on Tuesday ignored the latest call from Democratic Gov. But Republicans on the Joint Finance Committee did not show up, with the GOP co-chairs calling Evers’ move “blatant political game-playing.” Although no Republicans came, Evers made a previously unannounced appearance in the Capitol hearing room and joined three Democratic lawmakers in blasting the GOP inaction. …

Why is the EPA regulating PFAS and what are these ‘forever chemicals’?
11 months ago

Why is the EPA regulating PFAS and what are these ‘forever chemicals’?

Associated Press  

On Wednesday, the Environmental Protection Agency finalized limits on certain common types of PFAS chemicals in drinking water. PFAS accumulates in the body, which is why EPA set their limits for drinking water at 4 parts per trillion for two common types — PFOA and PFOS — that are phased out of manufacturing but still are present in the environment. …

Federal EPA limits toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water
11 months ago

Federal EPA limits toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water

LA Times  

The Environmental Protection Agency early Wednesday issued federal limits on dangerous “forever chemicals” in drinking water, which it believes will save thousands of lives and prevent serious illnesses including cancer. The new rules require that water systems monitor for six toxic chemicals known as PFAS. David Andrews, senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, said that although water systems must …

EPA puts limits on 'forever chemicals' in drinking water
11 months ago

EPA puts limits on 'forever chemicals' in drinking water

NPR  

EPA puts limits on 'forever chemicals' in drinking water Enlarge this image toggle caption Rogelio V. Solis/AP Rogelio V. Solis/AP The Environmental Protection Agency announced new drinking water standards Wednesday to limit exposure to a class of chemicals called PFAS. Sponsor Message Manufactured by several large companies including Dupont and 3M, PFAS have strong molecular bonds that don't break down …

Evers vetoes a Republican-backed bill targeting PFAS chemicals
11 months ago

Evers vetoes a Republican-backed bill targeting PFAS chemicals

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers vetoed a Republican bill Tuesday that would have created grants to fight pollution from “forever chemicals” and took the unusual step of calling the GOP-controlled budget committee into meeting to approve spending $125 million to deal with contamination. Evers said it was “just wrong” that lawmakers have not approved spending the $125 million …

Wisconsin appeals court says regulators must develop PFAS restrictions before mandating clean-up
1 year ago

Wisconsin appeals court says regulators must develop PFAS restrictions before mandating clean-up

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Environmental regulators can’t unilaterally force polluters to clean up contamination from so-called forever chemicals without going through the Legislature to establish specific limits on the compounds, a state appellate court ruled Wednesday. The 2nd District Court of Appeals’ decision all but eliminates the Department of Natural Resources’ authority to unilaterally mandate reporting PFAS contamination in groundwater and …

Evers again asks Wisconsin Republicans to release $125M to combat forever chemicals pollution
1 year ago

Evers again asks Wisconsin Republicans to release $125M to combat forever chemicals pollution

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers reiterated Tuesday that he will veto a Republican bill that would create grants to fight pollution from so-called forever chemicals and again asked GOP lawmakers to release to environmental regulators $125 million set aside to deal with contamination. Republicans who control the Legislature’s powerful finance committee refused to budge, raising the possibility that …

Wisconsin Senate signs off on bill to spend tens of millions on PFAS pollution
1 year, 4 months ago

Wisconsin Senate signs off on bill to spend tens of millions on PFAS pollution

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin municipalities and landowners could apply for tens of millions of dollars in state grants to combat PFAS pollution under a bill the state Senate approved Tuesday. Tony Evers, but the governor has said he doesn’t support the bill because it would limit the state Department of Natural Resources’ ability to order landowners to clean up contamination. …

Survey finds PFAS in 71% of shallow private wells across Wisconsin
1 year, 4 months ago

Survey finds PFAS in 71% of shallow private wells across Wisconsin

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Nearly three-quarters of water samples drawn from hundreds of private wells across Wisconsin last year were contaminated with PFAS chemicals, a survey state environmental officials released Friday found. The study marks the state’s first attempt to sample shallow groundwater away from major municipalities or PFAS cleanup and investigation sites. About 99% of the contaminated samples had PFAS …

Evers administration allocates $402 million to combat PFAS, other water contaminants
1 year, 4 months ago

Evers administration allocates $402 million to combat PFAS, other water contaminants

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Gov. Tony Evers is allocating more than $402 million to address polluted drinking water in Wisconsin, his office announced Monday. The money will be available to 106 Wisconsin municipalities to help them build water infrastructure projects, replace lead service lines and address emerging contaminants such as PFAS. The money comes from a combination of the state Department …

Can we take the ‘forever’ out of forever chemicals?
1 year, 5 months ago

Can we take the ‘forever’ out of forever chemicals?

BBC  

Can we take the ‘forever’ out of forever chemicals? Craig Fritz Scientists at Sandia National Laboratories are working on a material that can absorb forever chemicals Nicknamed "forever chemicals", PFAS are ubiquitous. While another team at the University of California, Riverside, are using "deep UV" – extremely low wavelengths of ultraviolet light – to break PFAS down under ambient conditions …

Wisconsin committee sets up Republican-authored PFAS bill for Senate vote
1 year, 5 months ago

Wisconsin committee sets up Republican-authored PFAS bill for Senate vote

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Republicans moved closer Wednesday to a Senate floor vote on a bill that would spend tens of millions of dollars to address pollution from PFAS chemicals. The measure looks doomed, though, after Evers spokesperson Britt Cudaback said in a email to The Associated Press that “Republicans still don’t share our commitment to finding real, meaningful solutions …

'Forever chemicals' could be in nearly half of U.S. tap water, a federal study finds
1 year, 8 months ago

'Forever chemicals' could be in nearly half of U.S. tap water, a federal study finds

NPR  

'Forever chemicals' could be in nearly half of U.S. tap water, a federal study finds Enlarge this image toggle caption Rogelio V. Solis/AP Rogelio V. Solis/AP At least 45% of the nation's tap water could be contaminated with at least one form of PFAS known as "forever chemicals," according to a newly released study by the U.S. Geological Survey. "This …

The neighborhoods in America with the highest levels of toxic 'forever chemicals' in drinking water
1 year, 8 months ago

The neighborhoods in America with the highest levels of toxic 'forever chemicals' in drinking water

Daily Mail  

The Environmental Working Group released data listing the top cities and countries where PFAS is found These are the cities and counties with the highest levels of toxic 'forever chemicals' in drinking water — after manufacturing giant 3M agreed to settle a series of landmark lawsuits alleging it contributed to the problem. Yet a 2020 report by the Environmental Working …

Republican lawmakers propose plan to combat PFAS pollution in Wisconsin
1 year, 9 months ago

Republican lawmakers propose plan to combat PFAS pollution in Wisconsin

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Republican legislators have proposed a sweeping new plan to address PFAS pollution that would create grants for local governments, limit regulators’ ability to delay projects on polluted property and mandate studies on how to treat contaminated water. “The bill is a strong starting point,” Rep. Jeff Mursau, the bill’s chief Assembly sponsor, said Monday during a public …

Wisconsin Republicans vote to spend $125 million to combat PFAS pollution, but not right away
1 year, 9 months ago

Wisconsin Republicans vote to spend $125 million to combat PFAS pollution, but not right away

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Republicans voted Thursday to put $125 million aside to combat pollution from so-called forever chemicals, but delayed a decision on how exactly to spend the money. Allocating money to fight PFAS, while eliminating testing for it and new positions to work on the pollution, doesn’t “make a bit of damn sense,” Democratic Sen. LaTonya Johnson of …

Minnesota poised to become first US state to ban 'forever chemicals'
1 year, 10 months ago

Minnesota poised to become first US state to ban 'forever chemicals'

Daily Mail  

Minnesota is poised to become the first state in the US to ban the use of 'forever chemicals' in everyday household items. Minnesota squares up to forever chemicals: Democrat Governor Tim Walz must sign the bill in before it can become law A House-Senate conference committee in the state agreed on the details of the ban last Thursday. 'Amara called …

Minnesota officials plug fight against ‘forever chemicals’
1 year, 11 months ago

Minnesota officials plug fight against ‘forever chemicals’

Associated Press  

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota pollution and health officials made the case at the State Capitol on Thursday for legislation to restrict nonessential uses of “forever chemicals” known as PFAS, and for the $45.6 million that Gov. “PFAS is an urgent public health and environmental issue facing Minnesota and the nation,” Katrina Kessler, commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, …

EPA launches radical $800m landmark proposal to curb 'forever chemicals' in drinking water
2 years ago

EPA launches radical $800m landmark proposal to curb 'forever chemicals' in drinking water

Daily Mail  

EPA said the move will prevent thousands of deaths from PFAS-related illness Almost all Americans have been exposed to the PFAS chemicals already The Environmental Protection Agency proposed a landmark change to curb 'forever chemicals' in drinking water — a move that could radically affect nearly every US household. Under the new guidance, drinking water would not be able to …

EPA proposes first-ever limits on PFAS in drinking water
2 years ago

EPA proposes first-ever limits on PFAS in drinking water

Salon  

The Environmental Protection Agency released long-awaited proposed standards for cancer-causing "forever chemicals" in drinking water on Tuesday. This marks the first time the EPA has proposed enforceable drinking water limits for PFAS, which are commonly known as "forever chemicals" because they do not break down over time and can remain in the environment for years on end. The proposed limits …

EPA to limit toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water
2 years ago

EPA to limit toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water

LA Times  

The Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday proposed the first federal limits on harmful “forever chemicals” in drinking water, a long-awaited protection the agency said would save thousands of lives and prevent serious illnesses, including cancer. “The science is clear that long-term exposure to PFAS is linked to significant health risks,” Radhika Fox, assistant EPA administrator for water, said in an …

US agency takes aim at ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water
2 years ago

US agency takes aim at ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water

Al Jazeera  

Environmental Protection Agency proposes first federal limits on ‘forever chemicals’, saying the move will save lives. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has proposed the first federal limit on so-called “forever chemicals” in the country’s drinking water, a move officials said will save lives. In a statement, the White House said, “PFAS pollution disproportionately affects disadvantaged communities and poses a …

Communities await first US limits on 'forever chemicals'
2 years ago

Communities await first US limits on 'forever chemicals'

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Concerned about the chemicals' ability to weaken children's …

‘Forever chemicals’ in deer, fish challenge hunters, tourism
2 years, 5 months ago

‘Forever chemicals’ in deer, fish challenge hunters, tourism

Associated Press  

PORTLAND, Maine — Wildlife agencies in the U.S. are finding elevated levels of a class of toxic chemicals in game animals such as deer — and that’s prompting health advisories in some places where hunting and fishing are ways of life and key pieces of the economy. “You’re getting it in your water, you’re getting it in your food, you’re …

'Forever chemicals' in deer, fish challenge hunters, tourism
2 years, 5 months ago

'Forever chemicals' in deer, fish challenge hunters, tourism

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. But discovery of the chemicals in wild animals hunted …

‘Forever chemicals’ are everywhere. The battle over who pays to clean them up is just getting started.
2 years, 6 months ago

‘Forever chemicals’ are everywhere. The battle over who pays to clean them up is just getting started.

Politico  

Early estimates of the cost of removing PFAS from drinking water nationwide are about $400 billion — dwarfing the cost of settlements and cleanup costs from environmental contamination like asbestos and lead pipes or other public health settlements tied to tobacco and opioids. “The manufacturers of PFAS are in effect creating a water affordability problem for the people of New …

EPA to designate ‘forever chemicals’ as hazardous substances
2 years, 6 months ago

EPA to designate ‘forever chemicals’ as hazardous substances

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency moved Friday to designate two “forever chemicals” used in cookware, carpets and firefighting foams as hazardous substances, a step that would clear the way for quicker cleanup of the toxic compounds, which have been linked to cancer and other health problems. “Communities have suffered far too long from exposure to these forever chemicals,’' EPA …

Wisconsin AG sues 18 companies over PFAS contamination
2 years, 7 months ago

Wisconsin AG sues 18 companies over PFAS contamination

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul filed a lawsuit Wednesday seeking to force nearly 20 companies that he alleges contaminated the environment with chemicals known as PFAS to reimburse the state for investigations and cleanup efforts. “To this day, the State continues to take necessary actions to protect its natural resources and its residents from harm caused by …

EPA: ‘Forever chemicals’ pose risk even at very low levels
2 years, 9 months ago

EPA: ‘Forever chemicals’ pose risk even at very low levels

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency is warning that two nonstick and stain-resistant compounds found in drinking water are more dangerous than previously thought and pose health risks even at levels so low they cannot currently be detected. “That’s why EPA is taking aggressive action as part of a whole-of-government approach to prevent these chemicals from entering the environment and …

EPA: 'Forever chemicals' pose risk even at very low levels
2 years, 9 months ago

EPA: 'Forever chemicals' pose risk even at very low levels

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The EPA on Wednesday issued nonbinding health advisories that …

Wisconsin Republicans allow PFAS standards to take effect
2 years, 9 months ago

Wisconsin Republicans allow PFAS standards to take effect

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Republicans will allow regulations Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ administration developed to control pollution from a group of chemicals known as PFAS to take effect, a spokesman for the lawmaker who controls the Legislature’s rules committee said Monday. “While we are glad to see these rules move forward, we are mindful that Wisconsinites whose water comes from …

Massachusetts sues companies over use of ‘forever chemicals’
2 years, 9 months ago

Massachusetts sues companies over use of ‘forever chemicals’

Associated Press  

BOSTON — Massachusetts has sued more than a dozen companies involved in the manufacture or marketing of so-called forever chemicals, alleging they knowingly polluted the environment and endangered public health, state Attorney General Maura Healey said Wednesday. The companies have known about the dangers of PFAS chemicals — found in firefighting foam and consumer products — for years and violated …

Board adopts PFAS standards for drinking, surface waters
3 years ago

Board adopts PFAS standards for drinking, surface waters

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — The Department of Natural Resources policy board adopted Wisconsin’s first limits on so-called “forever chemicals” in drinking and surface water Wednesday, handing Democratic Gov. Evers has been pushing to curtail PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, pollution since he took office in 2019, going so far as to declare his first year in office “the year of …

EPA unveils strategy to regulate toxic ‘forever chemicals’
3 years, 4 months ago

EPA unveils strategy to regulate toxic ‘forever chemicals’

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration said Monday it is launching a broad strategy to regulate toxic industrial compounds associated with serious health conditions that are used in products ranging from cookware to carpets and firefighting foams. “No one should have to worry about toxic forever chemicals in their tap water,” said Scott Faber, the group’s senior vice president. The group …

EPA unveils strategy to regulate toxic ‘forever chemicals’
3 years, 4 months ago

EPA unveils strategy to regulate toxic ‘forever chemicals’

LA Times  

The Biden administration is launching a broad strategy to regulate toxic industrial compounds associated with serious health conditions that are used in products ranging from cookware to carpets and firefighting foams. The state proposed the nation’s toughest limits on PFAS in drinking water earlier this summer, recommending a standard of.007 part per trillion for PFOA, and 1 part per trillion …

‘Forever chemicals’ found in groundwater near military bases
3 years, 6 months ago

‘Forever chemicals’ found in groundwater near military bases

Associated Press  

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — High levels of toxic, widely used “forever chemicals” contaminate groundwater around at least six military sites in the Great Lakes region, according to U.S. Department of Defense records that an environmental group released Tuesday. The Environmental Working Group said PFAS, an abbreviation for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have oozed into the Great Lakes and pose a …

Michigan oversight panel OKs limits on ‘forever chemicals’
5 years ago

Michigan oversight panel OKs limits on ‘forever chemicals’

Associated Press  

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — A Michigan oversight panel Thursday endorsed drinking water standards designed to limit exposure to a group of household and industrial chemicals linked to a variety of health problems. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy crafted drinking water standards for just seven because they’re the only ones for which there is enough scientific data …

Wisconsin Assembly passes bill to combat PFAS pollution
5 years ago

Wisconsin Assembly passes bill to combat PFAS pollution

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Assembly Republicans hastily put together a bill addressing PFAS contamination and pushed it through to the Senate early Friday, just moments before adjourning for the year. Nygren and Democratic state Sen. Dave Hansen of Green Bay put together a sweeping bill addressing PFAS contamination in January that called for emergency rules limiting the amount of PFAS …

Toxic 'forever chemicals' found in drinking water across major cities, as Trump claims US has 'cleanest water on Earth'
5 years, 1 month ago

Toxic 'forever chemicals' found in drinking water across major cities, as Trump claims US has 'cleanest water on Earth'

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The number of Americans exposed to potentially dangerous chemicals in …

Trump threatens to veto first ever congressional action on “forever chemicals”
5 years, 5 months ago

Trump threatens to veto first ever congressional action on “forever chemicals”

Salon  

This article first appeared on Truthout and was produced in partnership with Earth | Food | Life, a project of the Independent Media Institute. In the chemical industry’s secret war, communities are fighting back In 1947, manufacturing company 3M developed perfluorooctanoic acid — a member of the PFAS family. The EPA has yet to set a safe, enforceable drinking water …

Evers administration proposes groundwater quality standards
5 years, 8 months ago

Evers administration proposes groundwater quality standards

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Gov. Tony Evers’ administration announced Friday that it was proposing new groundwater quality standards for 27 pollutants that have been found to be a threat to public health, including compounds known as PFAS that have been detected around Wisconsin. Imposing new limits on groundwater contaminants could be costly for anyone who has to deal with mitigating them, …

Wisconsin lawmakers take aim at potentially toxic chemicals
5 years, 9 months ago

Wisconsin lawmakers take aim at potentially toxic chemicals

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Some Wisconsin legislators are pushing to curtail the use of firefighting foams that contain potentially toxic chemicals and establish standards that limit how much of the substances can safely exist in the state’s groundwater, air and soil. “This bill strikes a balance in reducing the risks to human health and negative environmental footprint PFAS chemicals pose, while …

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