U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and Dan Kildee-co-chairs of the Congressional PFAS Task Force-introduced the bipartisan legislation recently that supports communities impacted by PFAS.

 

This legislation would establish a new position at the U.S. Department of Defense. The Coordinator for PFAS-Impacted Defense Engagement would work to improve transparency. Further, the task force promotes legislation to address contamination, hosts educational events for Members of Congress, meets with congressional leadership, and fights for funding for research on the harmful effects of forever chemicals and to remediate PFAS contamination.

This comes amid the finalization of the rule by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designating both per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as "hazardous substances" under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The designation rule alters the regulations including spill reporting, waste disposal, and due diligence considerations. The rule was effective July 8, 2024, but could be impacted by the new administration and an active lawsuit filed in July.
Lastly, 35 states are taking initiatives to address concerns including better monitoring and testing water.