House Passes Bill Requiring EPA To Regulate PFAS In Drinking Water

"The House on Wednesday approved a bill that would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish national drinking water standards for “forever chemicals” — a group of toxic compounds linked to kidney and liver issues, among other health problems.

The PFAS Action Act of 2021 passed the lower chamber with bipartisan support, 241-183. Twenty-three Republican lawmakers voted with Democrats to pass the measure.

One Democrat and five Republicans were "no" votes.

The legislation, introduced by Michigan Reps. Debbie Dingell (D) and Fred Upton (R), would demand that the EPA regulate the most common perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances — PFOA and PFOS — within two years of enactment, as well as designate these two compounds as “hazardous substances” under the Superfund law within a year. To date, the EPA has only established “health advisory levels” for PFAS compounds."

Sharon Udasin reports for The Hill July 21, 2021.

SEE ALSO:

"U.S. House Passes PFAS Bill Regulating ‘Forever Chemicals’ In Drinking Water" (States Newsroom)

"As Congress Tries To Regulate ‘Forever Chemicals,’ Local Water Systems Push Back" (States Newsroom)

Source: The Hill, 07/22/2021