Creating an exemption to certain requirements for rules promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources relating to groundwater protection standards for PFAS.
This bill is particularly significant for the regulatory framework surrounding environmental safety in Wisconsin. By exempting PFAS-related rules from certain cost-related suspensions, the bill aims to expedite the implementation of necessary safety measures to protect groundwater supplies. Proponents argue that swift action is critical given the growing concerns surrounding PFAS contaminants and their persistence in the environment, suggesting that immediate regulations could benefit public health and safeguard water resources. Opponents may raise concerns about the implications of such exemptions, fearing that eliminating cost assessments might lead to overreach in regulatory measures without proper economic consideration.
Senate Bill 1022 proposes an amendment to the state statutes that creates an exemption for rules promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources concerning groundwater protection standards for perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Specifically, the bill allows the department to bypass the standard requirement to suspend work on a permanent rule if the proposed rule may generate significant costs (exceeding $10 million over a two-year period). Instead, the bill facilitates the establishment of groundwater protection standards specifically related to PFAS, which are known environmental contaminants with potential risks to human health and ecological systems.
The primary points of contention regarding SB1022 include debates over the balance between environmental safeguards and economic impacts. Critics may question the lack of stringent cost assessments for rules that could impose significant compliance costs on businesses and local governments. Additionally, there may be broader concerns about prioritizing rapid regulations at the expense of transparent economic analyses, which could result in unintended consequences for local economies and industries, particularly those reliant on groundwater resources. Overall, the discussion surrounding this bill reflects larger conversations about environmental policy, public health, and economic responsibility in legislative processes.