Sen. Wimberger Again asks Gov. Evers for Clarification on PFAS Protections

Wimberger Asks Evers to get Specific

There’s another letter on its way to Gov. Tony Evers’ office about protections for people who discover PFAS contamination on their land or in their water.

Sen. Eric Wimberger sent the letter Tuesday.

“On December 20th I corresponded again requesting your preferred language to define innocent landowners. I did that specifically to satisfy your unfounded suspicion of claimed loopholes. In an effort to save Wisconsinites time that they do not have by guessing on your definition of an innocent landowner, I reiterate my request from December requesting your preferred language to define a pollution victim,” Wimberger wrote to the governor.

Wimberger has spearheaded the plan in the Wisconsin Senate to both clean-up the state’s water, and hold people or companies who intentionally spill PFAS chemicals into the water accountable.

But Wimberger is very concerned that Gov. Evers wants to go farther.

“When I created language to protect innocent landowners last session, I repeatedly asked you for statutory language you would feel comfortable signing into law,” Wimberger added. “When I did not get a response, I and the numerous groups working on this legislation simply did the best we could to predict your preferences. In response, you vetoed the bill and accused me in [the] media about nondescript ‘loopholes’ in the bill language. There weren’t loopholes, and none were intended.”

Gov. Evers’ has said for years that he wants to tackle PFAS contamination.

In fact, last week the governor pledged to spend $145 million on clean water projects.

"Folks should be able to trust that the water coming from their tap is safe, but we know that’s not the case for far too many families and communities,” Evers said at the time.

Wimberger said he and the governor share the same goal, to make sure Wisconsin’s water supply is safe.

But Wimberger said the governor continues to refuse to get on the same page as the Republicans who control the state legislature, and pass a drinking water protection plan.

“My revised PFAS legislation is forthcoming. It’s again drafted without loopholes and in an attempt to predict your personal feelings you’ve decided not to share. Not having your clear stance on protecting innocent landowners is actively and unnecessarily holding up needed PFAS relief to affected communities,” Wimberger wrote. “Wisconsinites deserve better than waiting years for repeated attempts in your veto guessing game.”