Should PFAS chemicals be classified as hazardous substances?
Bill Summary
The bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to designate select PFAS chemicals (including all perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) as hazardous substances.
Sponsor: Rep. Debbie Dingell (Democrat, Michigan, District 12)
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Opponents say
• “States would face significant unfunded mandates, while foisting obligations on private parties who are currently unaware of potential liability — like farmers using biosolids from wastewater treatment facilities to improve soil health… All of this is likely to result in litigation to prevent or prolong the situation, rather than move to promptly address contamination.” Source: Rep. Greg Walden (Republican, Oregon, District 2)
• “Our nation’s airports, refineries, and others used fire-fighting foam containing PFAS in order to protect their workers and the public at large… All these entities were either following regulations or the industry’s best practices [and shouldn’t be punished].” Source: Sen. John Barasso (Republican, Wyoming)
• “I am not a fan of rushing to install broad-based major changes to federal law at a time when high levels of anxiety exceed what we know,” said Rep. John Shimkus (R., Ill.). “I believe we should not make shortcuts in the law while EPA is taking steps based upon solid scientific data to make regulatory decisions.” Source: Rep. John Shimkus (Republican, Illinois, District 15)
• “Our nation’s airports, refineries, and others used fire-fighting foam containing PFAS in order to protect their workers and the public at large… All these entities were either following regulations or the industry’s best practices [and shouldn’t be punished].” Source: Sen. John Barasso (Republican, Wyoming)
• “I am not a fan of rushing to install broad-based major changes to federal law at a time when high levels of anxiety exceed what we know,” said Rep. John Shimkus (R., Ill.). “I believe we should not make shortcuts in the law while EPA is taking steps based upon solid scientific data to make regulatory decisions.” Source: Rep. John Shimkus (Republican, Illinois, District 15)
Proponents say
• “PFAS is a clear threat to human health and our environment,” said Dingell. “I made a promise to my constituents I would keep fighting for PFAS legislation that actually addresses cleaning up ‘forever chemical’ and calling it what it is – a toxic chemical… The reality is a lot of contamination is connected to military sites and the Defense Department. We are continuing to champion strong provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act to identify PFAS as a hazardous substance for the purpose of clean up under the EPA’s Superfund program and facilitate coordinated response between local communities and the military… We need to set one national standard with strong enforcement, stop PFAS contamination, and clean up this forever chemical once and for all. These chemicals are too hazardous for inaction.” Source: Rep. Debbie Dingell (Democrat, Michigan, District 12)
• “PFAS contamination represents a clear and present danger to Michigan families… And, as Parchment made crystal clear, we need an all-hands-on-deck effort to protect both human health and our environment. This bipartisan legislation will ensure we’re treating PFAS as a hazardous chemical and giving our agencies the resources to clean up sites for the betterment of our communities.” Source: Rep. Fred Upton (Republican, Michigan, District 6)
• “PFAS are persistent, toxic chemicals that last forever and spread through our water, air and soil. Today, the Energy and Commerce Committee took action to address the public health threat and growing problems associated with PFAS. This comprehensive, bipartisan legislation now includes 11 additional bills to protect Americans from PFAS and clean up waste sites. I commend all the Members who worked on this package of bills for their leadership. This legislation is critical to stopping the flow of these harmful chemicals into our environment, drinking water, cooking products and more. I look forward to the full House voting on this bill soon.” Source: Rep. Frank Pallone (Democrat, New Jersey, District 6)
• “PFAS contamination represents a clear and present danger to Michigan families… And, as Parchment made crystal clear, we need an all-hands-on-deck effort to protect both human health and our environment. This bipartisan legislation will ensure we’re treating PFAS as a hazardous chemical and giving our agencies the resources to clean up sites for the betterment of our communities.” Source: Rep. Fred Upton (Republican, Michigan, District 6)
• “PFAS are persistent, toxic chemicals that last forever and spread through our water, air and soil. Today, the Energy and Commerce Committee took action to address the public health threat and growing problems associated with PFAS. This comprehensive, bipartisan legislation now includes 11 additional bills to protect Americans from PFAS and clean up waste sites. I commend all the Members who worked on this package of bills for their leadership. This legislation is critical to stopping the flow of these harmful chemicals into our environment, drinking water, cooking products and more. I look forward to the full House voting on this bill soon.” Source: Rep. Frank Pallone (Democrat, New Jersey, District 6)
- Dingell Bill to Address PFAS Contamination Heads to House Floor (Press Release)
- Lawmakers back to square one on 'forever chemicals' (The Hill)
- Republicans Slam Regulating PFAS Under Superfund Law (Bloomberg Environment)
- Bipartisan Group of Senators Introduce PFAS Action Act of 2019 (Press Release)
- Basic Information on PFAS (EPA)
- What are PFAS chemicals, and what are they doing to our health? (CNN)
- Daily on Energy: The House GOP case against Democratic legislation to regulate ‘forever chemicals’ (Washington Examiner)
