Sen. John Barrasso and President Trump wield great power over human and environmental health and we are in trouble.
The PFAS Action Act
Fails to Protect Public Health
The Democratic leadership in the House and the nation’s leading environmental organizations have praised the PFAS Action Act, although the measure is a disaster for public health and the environment on several fronts. The bill passed the House of Representatives on January 10, 2020. The vote was 247-159, with 223 Democrats voting for the measure along with 24 Republicans.
Overwhelmingly positive media coverage of the legislation has focused on the long-overdue provision that would require the EPA to designate two organic compounds, PFOS and PFOA, as hazardous substances under the Superfund program. Such a designation would force the Pentagon to foot the bill for cleaning up hundreds of contaminated bases and surrounding communities in the U.S. It’s a relatively small step in the right direction.
Fails to Protect Public Health
The Democratic leadership in the House and the nation’s leading environmental organizations have praised the PFAS Action Act, although the measure is a disaster for public health and the environment on several fronts. The bill passed the House of Representatives on January 10, 2020. The vote was 247-159, with 223 Democrats voting for the measure along with 24 Republicans.
Overwhelmingly positive media coverage of the legislation has focused on the long-overdue provision that would require the EPA to designate two organic compounds, PFOS and PFOA, as hazardous substances under the Superfund program. Such a designation would force the Pentagon to foot the bill for cleaning up hundreds of contaminated bases and surrounding communities in the U.S. It’s a relatively small step in the right direction.
For two generations, the DOD has used the carcinogens in firefighting foams during routine training exercises on military bases. The substances work well in extinguishing petroleum-based fires, the kind that might engulf a $100 million F-35. The cancer-causing agents have been allowed to seep into the ground to poison ground water, surface water, and drinking water. The groundwater plumes spread for miles.
The bill is now in the hands of Sen. John Barrasso, (R-Wy) Chairman of the Committee on Environment and Public Works. Barrasso protects the interests of the DOD and the chemical industry in Congress so he is opposed to designating the human carcinogens as hazardous substances.
If Chairman Barrasso doesn’t want a specific provision to pass, it’s very likely it will not. If the DOD and the chemical industry don’t want a specific provision to pass, it’s very likely it will not. Meanwhile, President Trump says he’ll veto the act passed by the House because he says it would open the federal government up to “considerable litigation.”
We’re witnessing the best democracy money can buy.
Sen. Barrasso is the top recipient of cash from the chemical industry in the Senate and he says the measure “has no prospects in the Senate.” The powerful chairman is “negotiating” from a position of strength as the Senate undertakes the measure, which has been seriously pared down by the Democratic-controlled House.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio and the bill’s lead sponsor Debbie Dingell are all pleased with the work they’ve done, although the bill will falls short of protecting public health.
HR 535 only designates PFOS and PFOA as hazardous chemicals - while all PFAS are regarded by the scientific community to present a threat to public health.
========================================
Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and
Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)
are two of the 6,000+ varieties of toxic
per-and poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
========================================
The bill is now in the hands of Sen. John Barrasso, (R-Wy) Chairman of the Committee on Environment and Public Works. Barrasso protects the interests of the DOD and the chemical industry in Congress so he is opposed to designating the human carcinogens as hazardous substances.
If Chairman Barrasso doesn’t want a specific provision to pass, it’s very likely it will not. If the DOD and the chemical industry don’t want a specific provision to pass, it’s very likely it will not. Meanwhile, President Trump says he’ll veto the act passed by the House because he says it would open the federal government up to “considerable litigation.”
We’re witnessing the best democracy money can buy.
Sen. Barrasso is the top recipient of cash from the chemical industry in the Senate and he says the measure “has no prospects in the Senate.” The powerful chairman is “negotiating” from a position of strength as the Senate undertakes the measure, which has been seriously pared down by the Democratic-controlled House.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio and the bill’s lead sponsor Debbie Dingell are all pleased with the work they’ve done, although the bill will falls short of protecting public health.
HR 535 only designates PFOS and PFOA as hazardous chemicals - while all PFAS are regarded by the scientific community to present a threat to public health.
========================================
Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and
Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)
are two of the 6,000+ varieties of toxic
per-and poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
========================================
EPA Chief Andrew Wheeler serves the interests of the chemical industry.
R 535 directs the EPA to test all varieties of PFAS and says the EPA Administrator “shall ensure that the period is as short as possible while allowing for completion of the required testing.” Seriously? How long will it take for this snail-paced institution under the control of industry-insider Andrew Wheeler to get through the paperwork? This amounts to a “forever clause” for the “forever chemicals.”
Rather than starting with the premise that all PFAS substances are potentially fatal and should be immediately banned until each one is proven by a ton of science to be OK for say, water-guzzling pregnant women, Congress is going about it the other way around. That is to say that all PFAS are OK until we start looking at all 6,000 of them - one at a time - and we’ll let you know if we determine if one is a baddie and should be designated as a hazardous substance under the Superfund law. This is precisely what the chemical industry is paying Congress to do.
PFOS and PFOA are 8-carbon chain varieties of per-and poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that have been passed out of production. They’re no longer used. Instead, they’ve been replaced by 6-carbon chain varieties of the deadly fluorinated surfactants.
Rather than starting with the premise that all PFAS substances are potentially fatal and should be immediately banned until each one is proven by a ton of science to be OK for say, water-guzzling pregnant women, Congress is going about it the other way around. That is to say that all PFAS are OK until we start looking at all 6,000 of them - one at a time - and we’ll let you know if we determine if one is a baddie and should be designated as a hazardous substance under the Superfund law. This is precisely what the chemical industry is paying Congress to do.
PFOS and PFOA are 8-carbon chain varieties of per-and poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that have been passed out of production. They’re no longer used. Instead, they’ve been replaced by 6-carbon chain varieties of the deadly fluorinated surfactants.
Eight fluorinated carbon atoms - the strongest bond ever developed.
Pandora couldn’t close her box, and neither can we.
Artist: Manuel Almagro Rivas
===========================================
We must limit all PFAS to 1 ppt. in drinking water.
===========================================
Until last year, Congress required airports to use fire-fighting foams containing carcinogenic PFAS. The substances drain off runways to contaminate surface water, ground water, and ultimately, drinking water.
Meanwhile, hundreds of governments and airports around the world had already received the memo regarding the destructive impact of PFAS - and switched to the just-as-effective fluorine-free foams, or 3F
Rolling back the mandatory use of the carcinogens at commercial airports opened the debate over the military’s insistence on the continued use of the chemicals in firefighting foam that contaminate groundwater.
The PFAS Action Act exempts public agencies and private owners of public airports that receive federal funding from liability for remediation of certain releases of PFASs into the environment resulting from the use of aqueous film forming foam.
We must limit all PFAS to 1 ppt. in drinking water.
===========================================
Until last year, Congress required airports to use fire-fighting foams containing carcinogenic PFAS. The substances drain off runways to contaminate surface water, ground water, and ultimately, drinking water.
Meanwhile, hundreds of governments and airports around the world had already received the memo regarding the destructive impact of PFAS - and switched to the just-as-effective fluorine-free foams, or 3F
Rolling back the mandatory use of the carcinogens at commercial airports opened the debate over the military’s insistence on the continued use of the chemicals in firefighting foam that contaminate groundwater.
The PFAS Action Act exempts public agencies and private owners of public airports that receive federal funding from liability for remediation of certain releases of PFASs into the environment resulting from the use of aqueous film forming foam.
The military claims the right to poison the American people.
At the same time, the Trump administration has been claiming “sovereign immunity” in US District Court cases when states sue for compensation for cleaning up the contamination caused by the military. What is sovereign immunity? Hitler and Mussolini loved the concept. In this instance it means the US government reserves the right to poison the American people and the Japanese and the Germans and others - and there’s nothing that states or nations can do about it.
The military has floated a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 400 ppt. for PFOS and PFOA in groundwater, comparable to allowing the fox to determine hen-house policy. Just to get into the genetically altered weeds for a moment, the DOD has set a screening level for perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), a particular variety of PFAS heavily used in fire-fighting foams, at 40,000 ppt. in groundwater. With the EPA in the clutches of corporate managers, many states are rushing to create regulations limiting PFAS in groundwater and drinking water. Vermont, for instance has enacted regulations limiting five 5 varieties of PFAS to 20 ppt in groundwater and drinking water. Other states are following suit, although most, like Louisiana, have been slow to act.
The military has floated a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 400 ppt. for PFOS and PFOA in groundwater, comparable to allowing the fox to determine hen-house policy. Just to get into the genetically altered weeds for a moment, the DOD has set a screening level for perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), a particular variety of PFAS heavily used in fire-fighting foams, at 40,000 ppt. in groundwater. With the EPA in the clutches of corporate managers, many states are rushing to create regulations limiting PFAS in groundwater and drinking water. Vermont, for instance has enacted regulations limiting five 5 varieties of PFAS to 20 ppt in groundwater and drinking water. Other states are following suit, although most, like Louisiana, have been slow to act.
"Daedalian" refers to Greek myth of Daedalus & Icarus. Daedalus developed technology that led to his son's death.
Groundwater wells at England Air Force base in Alexandria, Louisiana were recently found to contain 10,900,000 ppt of PFOS and PFOA. Poor African American folks who live nearby drink from groundwater wells while no one is rushing to protect their health. Although the base closed in 1992, the chemicals persist.
HR 535 says no municipal water systems may be fined for violating the new drinking water regulations for 5 years. That’s an eternity. People are dying.
There are several ways these chemicals may be removed from groundwater and surface water before they’re sent to consumers, although they’re expensive and must be regularly maintained.
HR 535 sets up a PFAS infrastructure grant program but only funds it $125 million for each of fiscal years 2020 and 2021; and $100 million for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2024. This may not cover California if the job is done properly.
For five years, according to the PFAS Action Act, the EPA shall prohibit the manufacture, processing, and distribution of a PFAS not listed on the EPA’s inventory list or the manufacture or processing of a PFAS for a significant new use. This is a good development, yet it is akin to Pandora managing to close her box after most of the demons are let loose. This will be one part of the bill that may survive Barrasso and company.
HR 535 prohibits the “unsafe waste incineration” of PFAS, although there’s not enough science to justify burning the stuff in the first place. Incineration could seriously threaten public health. PFAS may remain carcinogenic even after being incinerated if the temperatures aren’t high enough. The Air Force admits that the foam it uses is engineered to resist super-hot temperatures and is extraordinarily difficult to burn.
Throughout the country these chemicals accumulate in contaminated sewerage sludge that is typically spread on farm fields. Because the chemicals don’t break down, they’re able to contaminate the food chain. Incineration is one way to avoid contaminating food. What to do? It’s a Catch 22.
The much ballyhooed PFAS Action Act directs the EPA to offer guidance on minimizing the use of non-military firefighting foams using PFAS chemicals. The act contains no reference to 3F foams used world-wide. Just how are these decisions rendered? HR 535 should be calling for the immediate and universal phasing out of all military and commercial fire-fighting foams containing PFAS, in favor of the environmentally responsible 3F foams.
HR 535 directs the EPA to set up an instructional website on how to test for PFAS chemicals in privately owned wells but provides no funding for grants. Licensed PFAS testing costs about $400 per test, enough to preclude most people from considering it. This is reprehensible public policy. The military and corporate powers behind this legislation continue putting these chemicals in the ground - and they would prefer to allow millions of Americans to continue drinking poisonous water than to have an honest discussion on liability and how we can work together to protect public health. The EPA does not regulate private drinking water wells and most states and towns do not require sampling of private wells after installation. In America, it is the responsibility of homeowners to maintain the safety of their water and that’s just fine with Congress.
Congress must pass comprehensive legislation calling for testing of all public and private wells for these carcinogens and it must immediately set maximum contaminant levels for drinking water and ground water that protect public health. No one - especially pregnant women - should drink water containing PFAS.
HR 535 says no municipal water systems may be fined for violating the new drinking water regulations for 5 years. That’s an eternity. People are dying.
There are several ways these chemicals may be removed from groundwater and surface water before they’re sent to consumers, although they’re expensive and must be regularly maintained.
HR 535 sets up a PFAS infrastructure grant program but only funds it $125 million for each of fiscal years 2020 and 2021; and $100 million for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2024. This may not cover California if the job is done properly.
For five years, according to the PFAS Action Act, the EPA shall prohibit the manufacture, processing, and distribution of a PFAS not listed on the EPA’s inventory list or the manufacture or processing of a PFAS for a significant new use. This is a good development, yet it is akin to Pandora managing to close her box after most of the demons are let loose. This will be one part of the bill that may survive Barrasso and company.
HR 535 prohibits the “unsafe waste incineration” of PFAS, although there’s not enough science to justify burning the stuff in the first place. Incineration could seriously threaten public health. PFAS may remain carcinogenic even after being incinerated if the temperatures aren’t high enough. The Air Force admits that the foam it uses is engineered to resist super-hot temperatures and is extraordinarily difficult to burn.
Throughout the country these chemicals accumulate in contaminated sewerage sludge that is typically spread on farm fields. Because the chemicals don’t break down, they’re able to contaminate the food chain. Incineration is one way to avoid contaminating food. What to do? It’s a Catch 22.
The much ballyhooed PFAS Action Act directs the EPA to offer guidance on minimizing the use of non-military firefighting foams using PFAS chemicals. The act contains no reference to 3F foams used world-wide. Just how are these decisions rendered? HR 535 should be calling for the immediate and universal phasing out of all military and commercial fire-fighting foams containing PFAS, in favor of the environmentally responsible 3F foams.
HR 535 directs the EPA to set up an instructional website on how to test for PFAS chemicals in privately owned wells but provides no funding for grants. Licensed PFAS testing costs about $400 per test, enough to preclude most people from considering it. This is reprehensible public policy. The military and corporate powers behind this legislation continue putting these chemicals in the ground - and they would prefer to allow millions of Americans to continue drinking poisonous water than to have an honest discussion on liability and how we can work together to protect public health. The EPA does not regulate private drinking water wells and most states and towns do not require sampling of private wells after installation. In America, it is the responsibility of homeowners to maintain the safety of their water and that’s just fine with Congress.
Congress must pass comprehensive legislation calling for testing of all public and private wells for these carcinogens and it must immediately set maximum contaminant levels for drinking water and ground water that protect public health. No one - especially pregnant women - should drink water containing PFAS.
The Nation's Leading Environmental Groups
Praise Weak PFAS Action Act
Following is a survey of statements issued by environmental organizations regarding passage of the measure on January 10, 2020
Praise Weak PFAS Action Act
Following is a survey of statements issued by environmental organizations regarding passage of the measure on January 10, 2020
Sierra Club Applauds the Passage of The PFAS Action Act
New Bill Will Designate All PFAS Substances as Hazardous
(It will not!)
https://www.sierraclub.org/press-releases/2020/01/sierra-club-applauds-passage-pfas-action-act
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the PFAS Action Act (H.R. 535) with bipartisan support. The PFAS Action Act, introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell and cosponsored by Reps. Fred Upton and Dan Kildee, will require the EPA to protect military families and our nation’s drinking water by designating all per- and poly-fluoroalkl substances (PFAS) as hazardous within one year of the bill becoming law, add the chemicals to the Clean Air Act, and authorize millions of dollars for research and water treatment.
The bill was introduced following the omission of core PFAS and PFOA protections from the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in December. Republicans in the Senate have already declared their opposition to this critical legislation, and Donald Trump declared he would veto the package should it come to his desk.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune released the following statement:
"The Sierra Club applauds the House for passing this important legislation that will protect military families, our air and water, and our health. EPA and Donald Trump’s failure to protect communities from the dangers of PFAS and PFOA, the so-called ‘forever chemicals,’ have put every American at risk of exposure to these toxins. With the passage of the PFAS Action Act, we are an important step closer to ensuring the EPA does its job to protect public health. Senate Republicans and Donald Trump now must protect our communities by passing this bill and signing it into law as soon as possible.”
New Bill Will Designate All PFAS Substances as Hazardous
(It will not!)
https://www.sierraclub.org/press-releases/2020/01/sierra-club-applauds-passage-pfas-action-act
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the PFAS Action Act (H.R. 535) with bipartisan support. The PFAS Action Act, introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell and cosponsored by Reps. Fred Upton and Dan Kildee, will require the EPA to protect military families and our nation’s drinking water by designating all per- and poly-fluoroalkl substances (PFAS) as hazardous within one year of the bill becoming law, add the chemicals to the Clean Air Act, and authorize millions of dollars for research and water treatment.
The bill was introduced following the omission of core PFAS and PFOA protections from the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in December. Republicans in the Senate have already declared their opposition to this critical legislation, and Donald Trump declared he would veto the package should it come to his desk.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune released the following statement:
"The Sierra Club applauds the House for passing this important legislation that will protect military families, our air and water, and our health. EPA and Donald Trump’s failure to protect communities from the dangers of PFAS and PFOA, the so-called ‘forever chemicals,’ have put every American at risk of exposure to these toxins. With the passage of the PFAS Action Act, we are an important step closer to ensuring the EPA does its job to protect public health. Senate Republicans and Donald Trump now must protect our communities by passing this bill and signing it into law as soon as possible.”
Clean Water Action Applauds Committee Passage of Comprehensive Legislation
to Address PFAS Contamination & Exposure
https://www.cleanwateraction.org/releases/clean-water-action-applauds-committee-passage-comprehensive-legislation-address-pfas-0
Clean Water Action has not commented on the passage of the PFAS Action Act, HR 535. It’s last remarks about the bill came when most of the measures were already in place and they did not object to any of them. They praised NJ Democrat Pallone for his work on the bill.
EWG Applauds Historic Bipartisan PFAS Vote
https://www.ewg.org/release/ewg-applauds-historic-bipartisan-pfas-vote
WASHINGTON – EWG today applauded the House for voting to pass H.R. 535, the PFAS Action Act. The vote passed the House by a 247 to 159 margin, with 24 Republicans voting for the bill.
H.R. 535 will immediately designate PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances, which will kickstart the clean-up process at contaminated sites. H.R. 535 will also set a two-year deadline for EPA to establish a drinking water standard, and set deadlines for EPA to finally restrict PFAS releases into the air and water.
“Today the House overwhelmingly voted to reduce ongoing PFAS releases, reduce PFAS in tap water, and clean up legacy PFAS pollution,” said EWG Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Scott Faber. “If EPA will not do its job, it’s up to Congress to do its job.”
The Environmental Protection Agency has a long history of failing to act to protect Americans from the toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS, which are linked to an increased risk of cancer and other diseases.
In 1998, EPA officials were first notified by 3M that PFAS were toxic. In 2001, the agency received internal company studies documenting PFAS’ health risks, and two years later received more animal studies.
It was not until 2009 that the EPA issued its first PFAS Action Plan and established a non-enforceable provisional health advisory for PFOA and its close chemical cousin PFOS – more than a decade after 3M shared studies showing PFAS chemicals were toxic.
A second PFAS Action Plan, issued in 2019 – more than two decades after EPA was first alerted to the risks – contains many of the same recommendations and includes no deadlines for EPA action.
“Ironically, this week the EPA issued a statement touting the agency’s ‘aggressive’ efforts to address PFAS pollution,” said Faber. “EPA’s failure to protect us from PFAS has become legendary. Enough is enough.”
https://www.ewg.org/release/ewg-applauds-historic-bipartisan-pfas-vote
WASHINGTON – EWG today applauded the House for voting to pass H.R. 535, the PFAS Action Act. The vote passed the House by a 247 to 159 margin, with 24 Republicans voting for the bill.
H.R. 535 will immediately designate PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances, which will kickstart the clean-up process at contaminated sites. H.R. 535 will also set a two-year deadline for EPA to establish a drinking water standard, and set deadlines for EPA to finally restrict PFAS releases into the air and water.
“Today the House overwhelmingly voted to reduce ongoing PFAS releases, reduce PFAS in tap water, and clean up legacy PFAS pollution,” said EWG Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Scott Faber. “If EPA will not do its job, it’s up to Congress to do its job.”
The Environmental Protection Agency has a long history of failing to act to protect Americans from the toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS, which are linked to an increased risk of cancer and other diseases.
In 1998, EPA officials were first notified by 3M that PFAS were toxic. In 2001, the agency received internal company studies documenting PFAS’ health risks, and two years later received more animal studies.
It was not until 2009 that the EPA issued its first PFAS Action Plan and established a non-enforceable provisional health advisory for PFOA and its close chemical cousin PFOS – more than a decade after 3M shared studies showing PFAS chemicals were toxic.
A second PFAS Action Plan, issued in 2019 – more than two decades after EPA was first alerted to the risks – contains many of the same recommendations and includes no deadlines for EPA action.
“Ironically, this week the EPA issued a statement touting the agency’s ‘aggressive’ efforts to address PFAS pollution,” said Faber. “EPA’s failure to protect us from PFAS has become legendary. Enough is enough.”
National Wildlife Federation:
PFAS Action Act Will Protect Drinking Water, Wildlife
https://www.nwf.org/Latest-News/Press-Releases/2020/01-10-20-PFAS-Action-Act?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=PFASPassesHouse_Water_PressRelease&utm_content=PFASPassesHouse_Water_PressRelease_FB_01122020&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR2mO6X3YXL2_9ydH8D3oD__AoFbUb2ErBnE0vUKSk_X9eAm7ck7CCY7D0g
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to growing concerns about the family of synthetic chemicals known as PFAS, the House of Representatives has voted on the bipartisan PFAS Action Act, to require EPA to set drinking water limits for at least two types of “high concern” PFAS, designate them as hazardous and address ongoing PFAS releases into our air and water, among other provisions.
“People and wildlife alike should have a right to clean water without risk of poisoning from dangerous toxic chemicals,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “The widespread occurrence of PFAS in our waterways and soils present an urgent public health risk, especially for our most vulnerable communities and imperiled wildlife.
“The National Wildlife Federation commends Representatives Dingell, Pallone, Upton, Hoyer, Hudson, Rouzer, Fitzpatrick and Kildee for leading this effort. The PFAS Action Act is a much needed step toward modernizing drinking water infrastructure, accelerating the clean-up of polluted sites, preventing the use of new problematic chemicals and bolstering research strategies to drive science-based policy decisions.”
PFAS have been found in all parts of the environment, from soil, water and air to fish and wildlife — from the Great Lakes to the Arctic. Studies have documented multiple effects on human health, including cancers in highly exposed groups, impacts to the immune system and metabolism. Available evidence also indicates that elevated PFAS in wildlife can lead to developmental and reproductive problems. Additional investment for water infrastructure is needed to help communities and their neighboring wildlife remain healthy for generations to come.
PFAS Action Act Will Protect Drinking Water, Wildlife
https://www.nwf.org/Latest-News/Press-Releases/2020/01-10-20-PFAS-Action-Act?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=PFASPassesHouse_Water_PressRelease&utm_content=PFASPassesHouse_Water_PressRelease_FB_01122020&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR2mO6X3YXL2_9ydH8D3oD__AoFbUb2ErBnE0vUKSk_X9eAm7ck7CCY7D0g
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to growing concerns about the family of synthetic chemicals known as PFAS, the House of Representatives has voted on the bipartisan PFAS Action Act, to require EPA to set drinking water limits for at least two types of “high concern” PFAS, designate them as hazardous and address ongoing PFAS releases into our air and water, among other provisions.
“People and wildlife alike should have a right to clean water without risk of poisoning from dangerous toxic chemicals,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “The widespread occurrence of PFAS in our waterways and soils present an urgent public health risk, especially for our most vulnerable communities and imperiled wildlife.
“The National Wildlife Federation commends Representatives Dingell, Pallone, Upton, Hoyer, Hudson, Rouzer, Fitzpatrick and Kildee for leading this effort. The PFAS Action Act is a much needed step toward modernizing drinking water infrastructure, accelerating the clean-up of polluted sites, preventing the use of new problematic chemicals and bolstering research strategies to drive science-based policy decisions.”
PFAS have been found in all parts of the environment, from soil, water and air to fish and wildlife — from the Great Lakes to the Arctic. Studies have documented multiple effects on human health, including cancers in highly exposed groups, impacts to the immune system and metabolism. Available evidence also indicates that elevated PFAS in wildlife can lead to developmental and reproductive problems. Additional investment for water infrastructure is needed to help communities and their neighboring wildlife remain healthy for generations to come.
Earthjustice Celebrates Passage of Bipartisan PFAS Action Act
https://earthjustice.org/news/press/2020/earthjustice-celebrates-passage-of-bipartisan-pfas-action-act
Victory: Bill would help to tackle PFAS contamination with sweeping new reforms
PFAS chemicals are everywhere — from firefighting foam to cleaning products we use at home — and they can be deadly.
Washington, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives passed HR 535, the PFAS Action Act, earlier this afternoon. This significant piece of legislation would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to mandate cleanup of sites contaminated with PFOA and PFOS and require a national drinking water standard for PFAS within two years. It passed by a vote of 247-159, with 24 House Republicans supporting.
The following is a statement from Christine Santillana, associate legislative counsel leading federal legislative advocacy on PFAS for Earthjustice:
“We thank the legislative champions in both parties who made today’s vote possible. PFAS chemicals are everywhere — from firefighting foam to cleaning products we use at home — and they can be deadly. Now that Democrats and Republicans alike have recognized the threat these chemicals pose to our health and our well-being, it’s time for the U.S. Senate to choose people over chemical corporations’ profits and pass this legislation.”
Congress Moves Further on PFAS Protections - NRDC
https://www.nrdc.org/experts/erik-d-olson/congress-moves-further-pfas-protections
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has published a pretty good piece.
“While the bill takes many important steps, more action is needed—for example, most existing uses of PFAS remain lawful and are not subject to any restrictions or phase-out under the House-passed bill, and most members of the PFAS class of more than 4,700 chemicals may or may not be regulated under the legislation (only a fraction of the PFAS class are named and subject to most of its mandatory requirements; others would have to be added if EPA makes certain findings).”
https://www.nrdc.org/experts/erik-d-olson/congress-moves-further-pfas-protections
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has published a pretty good piece.
“While the bill takes many important steps, more action is needed—for example, most existing uses of PFAS remain lawful and are not subject to any restrictions or phase-out under the House-passed bill, and most members of the PFAS class of more than 4,700 chemicals may or may not be regulated under the legislation (only a fraction of the PFAS class are named and subject to most of its mandatory requirements; others would have to be added if EPA makes certain findings).”