Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement today after the full Committee voted to favorably advance three bills to increase access to safe, affordable water, and protect Americans from PFAS contamination:
“Access to safe drinking water is one of our most fundamental human rights, yet right now millions of Americans across the country are unable to trust the water coming out of their taps. This is simply unacceptable, and it is why the Energy and Commerce Committee today advanced meaningful reform and investments to protect our drinking water. By removing dangerous lead service lines, helping local water systems remove PFAS contamination, strengthening the Environmental Protection Agency’s drinking water standards, and assisting low-income families struggling to afford water service, we are making tremendous strides toward achieving safe drinking water nationwide. I now look forward to the House voting on these two important drinking water proposals next week.
“Likewise, protecting Americans’ drinking water means protecting it from toxic PFAS chemicals, which are right now contaminating not only our water, but also our household supplies. This contamination poses severe, demonstrated health risks that we simply cannot afford to ignore. The PFAS Action Act will regulate these toxic ‘forever chemicals,’ clean up contamination, and protect public health. I am grateful the bill earned bipartisan support today and look forward to the House taking action."
The Committee favorably reported the following three bills to the House:
H.R. 3291, the “Assistance, Quality, and Affordability Act of 2021," which was introduced by Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee Chairman Paul Tonko (D-NY). The bill was passed, as amended, by a vote of 32-24.
H.R. 3293, the “Low-Income Water Customer Assistance Programs Act of 2021," which was introduced by Reps. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and John Katko (R-NY). The bill was passed, as amended, by a vote of 32-24.
H.R. 2467, the “PFAS Action Act of 2021," which was introduced by Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Fred Upton (R-MI). The bill was passed by a vote of 33-20.
