Wisconsin Senate Unanimously Passes PFAS Legislation

The $125 million bill aims to address PFAS contamination in the state's water supplies.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:51pm

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The Wisconsin Senate unanimously passed legislation that will release $125 million set aside nearly three years ago to address PFAS contamination in the state's water supplies. The bill, which now heads to the governor's desk, was the result of a multi-year negotiation process between legislative Republicans, the governor, state agencies, and various interest groups.

Why it matters

PFAS contamination has been an ongoing issue in Wisconsin, affecting communities across the state. This legislation represents a bipartisan effort to provide funding and resources to address the problem, though some environmental groups argue more needs to be done, such as establishing groundwater standards for PFAS.

The details

The bill includes provisions that exempt certain parties, such as landowners who spread PFAS-contaminated materials under a state permit, from liability under the state's toxic spills law. This was a point of contention in earlier versions of the legislation. The $125 million will be used for grants to municipal water systems, private well owners, and to expand the state's PFAS testing capabilities.

  • The Wisconsin Senate passed the legislation on March 17, 2026, the last day the Senate was scheduled to be in session for the year.
  • The $125 million in funding was first set aside in the state's 2023-25 biennial budget.

The players

Tony Evers

The Governor of Wisconsin, who said he looks forward to signing the bill so the funding can be put to use.

Eric Wimberger

The Republican state senator who authored the bill, noting it was 'meticulously drafted' to get all parties on board.

Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce

The state's largest business lobby, which opposed the bill over concerns that industrial manufacturers were being singled out.

Save Our Water

An advocacy group representing residents of PFAS-affected communities, which celebrated the bill's passage but said they will continue to push for a groundwater standard for PFAS.

Erik Kanter

The government affairs director of Clean Wisconsin, who said the bill is a first step but more action is needed to address the widespread PFAS crisis.

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What they’re saying

“Whether it's kids in the classroom, families at home, or our farmers and agricultural industries, folks should be able to trust that the water coming from their tap is clean and safe. I'm incredibly proud we were able to work across the aisle to get this done — and get it done right.”

— Tony Evers, Governor of Wisconsin

“The result is a bill that helps people who need to be helped and stops the government from going after people who are genuinely innocent of causing a hazardous discharge.”

— Eric Wimberger, State Senator

“This legislation will help impacted communities and innocent landowners who are forced to deal with PFAS contamination which they didn't cause and don't have the resources to clean up. [We] will continue to push forward to achieve a meaningful groundwater standard for PFAS and look toward using the bipartisan approach taken with this legislation as a model for future PFAS legislation.”

— Save Our Water

“The Legislature created the PFAS trust fund 32 months ago, and since then, people in Marinette, Peshtigo, the Town of Campbell, the Town of Stella, and communities throughout the state have waited and waited for our state government to create the programs through which the PFAS trust fund can be allocated. Now, an end to that waiting is finally in sight.”

— Erik Kanter, Government Affairs Director, Clean Wisconsin

What’s next

Gov. Tony Evers said he is looking forward to signing the bill so the $125 million in funding can be put to use.

The takeaway

This bipartisan legislation represents a significant step forward in Wisconsin's efforts to address the widespread PFAS contamination affecting communities across the state. However, some environmental groups argue that more action is still needed, such as establishing groundwater standards for PFAS, to fully protect public health and the environment.