Passage of PFAS Remediation
After years of negotiations and progress, the Assembly passed AB 130 and AB 131 last week, permitting the administration of PFAS remediation efforts through funding allocated to the DNR. This passage brings a massive effort to address PFAS contamination in Wisconsin even closer to fruition. The bills put innocent communities and landowners on the best path forward to remediate PFAS while ensuring they are not punished or forced into bankruptcy over pollution they did not cause.
PFAS contamination affects communities throughout Wisconsin. It is essential to provide cleanup assistance, but the law must clearly define who regulators can hold accountable and who should be exempt from enforcement. This bill establishes grant programs with regulatory certainty to assist eligible entities in cleaning up contaminated wells. It includes reasonable exemptions to support communities with public works and construction projects with PFAS contaminated groundwater.
These new, commonsense solutions include new resources through a PFAS Community Grant Program. The program will provide financial support to communities to help with testing, cleanup, disposal, and the restoration of clean water while creating new protections for victims of pollution. Following last session’s unfortunate vetoes, it is critical for these bills to pass the State Senate and be signed into law by the Governor without further delay.
Assisting Local Communities
I was proud to support AB 326 last week, which creates a grant program for municipalities with populations under 7,500 to receive up to $5,000 for assistance in grant writing and compliance for transportation infrastructure, public works, public safety, utility costs, or cybersecurity.
This bill will help ensure small communities don’t miss out on vital funding opportunities available simply because of limited staff, time, or a lack of more experienced writers. The bill also directs the DOR to provide an application that is simple, clear, and publicly accessible. Lastly, the DOR will provide a report to the Joint Committee on Finance evaluating the program and measuring its efficacy.
Helping smaller municipalities connect to vital, already available funding for basic government needs can help make sure they don’t fall behind their larger counterparts. The bill has now passed both legislative chambers, and I hope to see it signed into law by the Governor.
Protecting Free Speech
Freedom of speech is a bedrock of this nation’s founding and a timeless value worth protecting. That is why I voted to pass AB 701, the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act. The bill serves to safeguard First Amendment rights by protecting citizens who speak on matters of public concern from abusive litigation.
The bill establishes a transparent and efficient process for courts to quickly dismiss lawsuits that target protected speech or participation in governmental proceedings. The process requires expedited court review, stays costly discovery while the motion is pending, and allows the prevailing parties to recover attorney fees. These protections are vital to prevent the intentional and damaging effects of prolonged and expensive litigation on free expression.
This bill is a crucial step for Wisconsin to more effectively protect free speech, encourage public participation, and uphold the constitutional rights of its citizens. Supported by advocates of free speech and press organizations, the bill received bipartisan backing as it passed the Assembly and now moves on to the State Senate.
Discussing Nuclear Energy
I want to express my gratitude to Insight Magazine for the opportunity to discuss the importance and potential of nuclear energy in Wisconsin. I appreciate the chance to highlight recent legislative initiatives that aim to position our state as a leader in this sector.
Between our Nuclear Engineering School and our strong manufacturing sector, we will continue to push to achieve the goals of being a hub of innovation and development for the next-generation nuclear industry. You can read the article here.
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Contact Me
My office is always available to help with any state-related questions or concerns you may have. You can reach my office at (608) 237-9104, or email me at Rep.Steffen@legis.wisconsin.
