Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to meet with Cate Faehrmann, a Member of Parliament from New South Wales, Australia. Cate traveled all the way from her sunny home on the other side of the world to our chilly corner of the globe to connect with legislators, agencies, and advocates about PFAS. She was seeking to understand how Minnesota is addressing the PFAS crisis through regulatory action so that she might take some of her lessons learned back to her home country.
From the moment we met, I liked her immediately—she was kind, warm, and had a no-nonsense approach to tackling the PFAS crisis. She fully understood the environmental and health disaster caused by these "forever chemicals," and her thoughtful questions kept her community at the forefront of every discussion. She also shared valuable information on how Australia is approaching PFAS – lessons we are anxious to apply to our community.
Cate (we’re on a first-name basis now!) and I bonded over our shared ability to approach this crisis through a human lens while also recognizing the political work that needs to be done. We talked about how we can better coordinate and collaborate across borders. After all, the chemical industry is coordinating and collaborating globally—so why shouldn’t we?
Since her visit, we’ve been emailing and exchanging information, continuing the conversation on how to combat PFAS. Naturally, I’ve made it clear that I’m happy to travel to Australia to help their advocates navigate the world of organizing around PFAS (who wouldn’t jump at that chance?). For now, though, I’ll probably have to settle for Zoom.
What does all of this mean for Minnesota—and, honestly, the rest of the country? It means that your support is having a global impact. By improving water quality and protecting human health here in Minnesota, we’re inspiring communities on the other side of the globe to do the same. Whether through storytelling or legislative action, change is happening—and it’s thanks to all of you.
Globally, people are realizing that no one has to live within a chemical plume of dirty air, water, or soil. Citizens of every country are pushing back and demanding safer alternatives and healthier options for their families. Many are standing up to corporate money and power to prioritize people and natural resources instead.
The PFAS crisis started in Minnesota and we’re making good on our promise to be where it ends. We’re leveraging relationships, educating decision makers, and holding polluters accountable. We are protecting small business owners, partnering with health care professionals, and engaging the most vulnerable communities in our state. All these moving parts take a lot of dedication and work – it also takes funds. We’re so grateful that your support keeps us moving in the right direction. The chemical industry is well funded. Unfortunately, the nonprofit sector isn’t. We are constantly thinking creatively and carefully about our budget and how we use our funds to maximize impact.
Unfortunately, the attacks on Amara’s Law and PFAS are still underway. We’re seeing a flurry of exemption requests, attempts to change the definition of PFAS, and various tactics to delay implementation. We need your help to fight back and protect this important law. This train is moving full speed ahead – let’s not let up on the momentum! Donate today and let’s change the world together.
