Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement today following the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) release of an updated health advisory on the dangers of some per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—known as PFAS—in drinking water, which are linked to severe adverse health effects, including cancer and developmental issues:
“The science is clear that toxic PFAS chemicals pose a severe, demonstrated health risk to our communities, and are an urgent public health threat. I appreciate EPA’s ongoing work to acknowledge the dangers of exposure to these ‘forever chemicals’ that are contaminating our water, especially their dedication to allocating resources to disadvantaged communities facing challenges with emerging contaminants. While I’m encouraged by this progress, it’s imperative that EPA additionally set enforceable, health protective drinking water standards so that communities all across the nation can trust the water coming out of their taps.”
As part of the Chairman’s ongoing efforts to address toxic PFAS chemicals, the Committee passed a comprehensive package to regulate PFAS chemicals, clean up contamination, and protect public health in June 2021. H.R. 2467, the PFAS Action Act of 2021, later passed the House in July 2021. Congress also made a historic $9 billion investment in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to remove emerging contaminants, including dangerous PFAS chemicals, from drinking water.
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