Who Pays for Toxic Cleanups: Industrial Polluters or Wisconsin Taxpayers?

He says the rule of law is under attack. Political strategist Joe Zepecki joins Pat Kreitlow, host of Mornings with Pat Kreitlow, to unpack the latest political shifts in Wisconsin. The discussion ranges from Attorney General Josh Kaul’s decision to seek a third term to the state’s ongoing stalemate over who pays for toxic PFAS contamination cleanup.

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Listen to the entire discussion starting at the half-way mark here:

[podcast src="https://civicmedia.us/shows/mornings-with-pat-kreitlow/2025/10/09/dont-both-sides-pfas-pollution-hour-3"]

Zepecki praises Kaul’s choice to remain attorney general, calling it a principled stand during a critical moment for the rule of law. 

“There has never been a more important time to have attorneys general who know how to use the law to fight and win,” Zepecki explains. “Especially when the rule of law itself is under attack.”

Kaul has been a leading voice in legal battles pushing back on Trump-era overreach.  Zepecki believes these efforts remain essential. 

“I’d sleep better every night knowing my state’s top attorney was Josh Kaul,” he says.

The conversation turns to the 2026 governor’s race. Zepecki warns that while Donald Trump’s name may not appear on the ballot here, his influence still defines the stakes. 

“Donald Trump’s name won’t be on the ballot,” Zepecki says. “But everything he’s done will be.”

Kreitlow asks Zepecki about the Legislature’s inability to release $125 million in long-delayed PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) chemical cleanup funds. A Wisconsin Examiner article described lawmakers “trying again to reach a compromise,” but Zepecki argues framing it that way misses the bigger point.

“This isn’t about compromise,” he says. “It’s about holding bad actors accountable without bankrupting people who followed the rules. That’s not a compromise. It’s a good policy.”

Kreitlow adds the Republicans are more focused on protecting corporate industrial polluters than helping residents living with contaminated wells. 

“If lawmakers like State Senator Eric Wimberger would stop carrying water for Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce,” Kreitlow says, “They might actually help people who can’t even trust the water coming out of their tap.”

Zepecki agrees, saying what Republicans call “regulation” is really about basic protections. 

“We need environmental protections,” he says. “We need accountability.”

Zepecki is also urging Americans to defend democracy’s core principles. 

“We’re supposed to disagree in this country,” Zepecki explains. “But we’re also supposed to agree on the right to disagree. And on justice that applies equally to everyone.”

Learn more about PFAS here.