Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that limits regulations on PFAS chemicals.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to establish a grant program to address perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the following, including (Sec. 1):

• Cities, towns, villages, or counties;

• Utility districts, lake protection districts, and sewerage districts; and

• Municipal airports.

• Specifies that DNR may only award a grant if the applicant or third party trained with PFAS-containing fire fighting foam in accordance with state and federal law (Sec. 1).

• Establishes that the aforementioned grants may be used for the following, including (Sec. 1):

• Investigate potential PFAS impacts in order to reduce or eliminate environmental contamination;

• Treat or dispose of PFAS-containing fire fighting foam containers;

• Sample a private water supply within one mile of a site or facility known to contain PFAS or caused a PFAS discharge;

• Provide a temporary emergency water supply or bulk water to replace water contaminated with PFAS; and

• Conduct emergency, interim, or remedial actions to mitigate, treat, dispose of, or remove PFAS contamination or treat PFAS in public water systems.

• Establishes that any applicant that receives an aforementioned grant shall waive their right to bring or maintain an action or claim against any individual alleged to be responsible for PFAS contamination (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits the DNR from issuing a grant to an individual applicant who has received a monetary award from an action or claim brought against an individual responsible for PFAS contamination (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that nothing in this act shall authorize a municipality to regulate PFAS substances or enter private property without the advance written consent of the property owner (Sec. 1).

• Appropriates $10 million per fiscal year for the aforementioned grant program from federal funds allocated under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text