Environmental Protection Agency continues to progress on addressing PFAS contamination

PROPOSED RULE ANNOUNCED TODAY WOULD DESIGNATE PFOS AND PFOA AS HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES, AID IN CLEANUP AND ACCOUNTABILITY EFFORTS

LANSING — The Michigan League of Conservation Voters today released the following statement lauding an announcement by the Environmental Protection Agency to designate PFOS and PFOA as hazardous substances. The two common variations of toxic PFAS chemicals are a major source of contamination at sites across Michigan.

“This latest announcement shows that the Biden administration’s EPA is taking the PFAS contamination crisis seriously and actively working to set rules and regulations to protect communities from these toxic chemicals,” said Bentley Johnson, federal government affairs director for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “We thank federal lawmakers, like Rep. Debbie Dingell for continuing to push this issue in Washington. The next step is to pass the bipartisan PFAS Action Act to solidify strong laws to clean up these dangerous chemicals in our drinking water and protect our health.”

In June the EPA set new health advisory levels for PFOS and PFOA, affirming that these chemicals are not safe even at the lowest levels of detection. By declaring these toxic chemicals as “hazardous substances,” PFOA and PFOS are able to be considered for superfund designation, which makes polluters responsible for cost of cleanup and allow contaminated sites to be placed on the National Priorities List for cleanup and eligible to receive technical assistance grants.