PFAS clean up grant bill comes with a catch

A bill put forth by Republicans to help local communities clean up PFAS contamination, otherwise known as “forever chemicals,” would also protect polluters from lawsuits and prevent the state from enforcing its pollution laws, according to a Wisconsin State Journal report. Passing the Assembly last month along party lines, the bill would create a $10 million grant program to help communities in cleanup efforts. However, any local government that accepts a grant would be barred from bringing legal action against whoever is responsible for the contamination and those who received money through a lawsuit would be barred from receiving grants. A memo from the nonpartisan Legislative Counsel says in addition to preventing legal action, the bill may also prevent the Department of Natural Resources from taking action under the state’s environmental remediation law.