Wisconsin Supreme Court justices question challenge to state authority in PFAS case

By Danielle Kaeding | Wisconsin Public Radio | January 14, 2025

Read the full article by Danielle Kaeding (Wisconsin Public Radio)

"Wisconsin Supreme Court justices questioned Tuesday whether the state Department of Natural Resources should be forced to designate emerging contaminants like PFAS as hazardous substances before the agency is allowed to regulate them.

The court heard oral arguments in a case brought by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, which sued the DNR on behalf of Oconomowoc-based dry cleaner Leather Rich in 2021.

Wisconsin’s powerful business lobbying group is arguing the agency can’t force businesses to test and clean up PFAS without first designating the chemicals as hazardous substances. A Waukesha County judge and state appeals court sided with WMC."