House lawmakers introduced legislation earlier this week that would establish new drinking water standards for PFAS chemicals, according to a Route Fifty report.
The legislation would give the Environmental Protection Agency two years to establish enforceable legal limits of PFAS in drinking water. Four Democrats and one Republican introduced the measure.
“It is past time we address these contaminants with the seriousness they merit,” Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), the lead sponsor, said in a statement. “Public health is at stake while the EPA continues to dither and delay setting enforceable limits. This is unacceptable.”
Last week the EPA announced draft recommendations for cleaning up groundwater contaminated with PFOA and PFOS. The EPA guidance includes a 45-day public comment period ending June 10.
Concerns about PFAS in groundwater has increased across the country in recent years, especially among those near military installations. A number of states are moving ahead with measures aimed at curbing public health risks from the chemicals.
Air Force photo by Senior Airman Javier Alvarez
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