Scott Manley from Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce joined me on Feedback to discuss the recent decision by a Waukesha County Circuit Court judge that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) acted unlawfully when it failed to follow the required rulemaking process for establishing a new regulatory standard related to PFAS.
The ruling was in response to a lawsuit filed by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce. WMC argued that the DNR attempted to change the requirements for the state’s Remediation and Redevelopment program and the Voluntary Party Liability Exemption (VPLE) program without going through the rulemaking process. The court agreed that DNR must promulgate a rule – that includes public input and legislative oversight – to make these regulatory changes.
“When the government ignores the rulemaking process, employers are left in the dark as to what regulations they must follow. Businesses cannot afford to have that kind of uncertainty, and we do not think it is too much to ask for DNR to simply follow the law as written,” said WMC Executive Vice President of Government Relations Scott Manley. “Today’s decision assures the business community that regulators must operate within their own authority.”
Manley described the wide range of “acceptable” PFAS levels depending on which government entity one relies upon. He stated that “acceptable” PFAS levels are even higher in Canada, parts of Europe and South America than they are in the United States.
This is precisely why Wausau’s Water Works Commission – led by amateur Mayor Katie Rosenberg – cannot be trusted.
The reality is that there isn’t a standard regarding PFAS levels because no one has been able to define, demonstrate (or agree upon) what is a safe – or a dangerous level.
Critical thinkers remain skeptical as a result.
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