The Sconi

Attorney General Josh Kaul has joined a coalition of 18 states in filing an amicus brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. The brief supports a rule by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that establishes nationwide drinking water standards for certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS or "forever chemicals," under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

"This EPA rule will protect people’s health by limiting PFAS in the water we drink," stated Attorney General Kaul. "This rule limiting these toxic chemicals in our drinking water should be upheld."

The federal regulation introduces protections for four new PFAS and sets enforceable standards for six specific PFAS chemicals found in drinking water: PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, GenX, PFNA, and PFBS. It requires public water systems across the United States to test and treat drinking water if necessary to address these contaminants.

PFAS have been used extensively in industrial and military settings as well as consumer products like non-stick cookware and food packaging. They are known as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment without degrading. Research indicates that exposure to PFAS can lead to various health issues, including cancer and liver impacts.

The states argue that upholding this rule would significantly improve public health by regulating PFAS both individually and as mixtures using a hazard index approach. They also support the economic analysis behind the regulations and EPA's adherence to procedural requirements.

Wisconsin is among several states urging Congress and EPA for more aggressive actions against the national PFAS crisis. Testing has shown thousands of contaminated drinking water sources nationwide. While resources are available from congressional funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, further efforts are needed to secure public water supplies.

Wisconsin has also taken its own measures against PFAS contamination and aims to hold chemical manufacturers accountable for environmental damage.

Joining Attorney General Kaul in this initiative are Attorneys General from Connecticut, California, New Jersey, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, and Rhode Island.