FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 21, 2019
CONTACT: Eric Uram, (608) 347-8008, Eric.Uram@headwater.us
Sierra Club Welcomes Action on PFAS
Madison –Today the Wisconsin Department of Health, Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection announced proposed health standards of 20 parts per trillion for levels of PFAS in drinking water. The proposal is significantly more stringent than the Environmental Protection Agency's weak limits.
In response, Eric Uram, Chair of the Sierra Club's Toxics Committee made the following statement:
"Sierra Club and our 18,000 plus members statewide applaud the announcement on the requirement for action on the PFAS levels and look forward to working with WDNR in identifying the best solutions needed to protect the public and our water resources.
Sierra Club welcomes the strong and swift action taken by the Evers Administration to address the newly identified family of pollutants of high concern, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS. This widely-used family of chemicals is an emerging water concern and has been popping up everywhere in Wisconsin and are linked to many negative health outcomes, including cancer, increased cholesterol, reproductive concerns, effects on the immune system, and more. Clearly, it warrants this WDNR response.
PFAS have been found in communities including Madison and Marinette. We recognize this decision will require additional actions as the Department of Natural Resources and communities identify where PFAS pollution problems exist. We need a sufficient response to protect community health that will safeguard public health and protect our waters. Concurrently, Wisconsin needs to act to get PFAS products out of the marketplace and eliminate PFAS uses in the many industrial and commercial applications. Finally, given the many years of PFAS use, many Wisconsin communities will also need to address issues surrounding disposal and PFAS presence at waste facilities."
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The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization. In Wisconsin, the Sierra Club - John Muir Chapter’s 18,000 members work to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org/wisconsin.