Wisconsin bill promotes soybeans to replace PFAS in firefighting foams

MADISON — Under a new bill, fire departments across the state could have access to a new type of technology to fight forest fires: foam made from ground-up soybeans.

The bill would make firefighting foam derived from soybeans eligible for a Department of Natural Resources grant up to 50% of the cost of acquiring supplies, equipment and training related to forest fires. That funding would help fire departments afford the new technology instead of relying on foam containing "forever chemicals," or PFAS, or simply using water.