Michigan LCV statement on passage of bipartisan PFAS Action Act

Michigan’s congressional delegation leads on setting federal drinking water standards for PFAS

LANSING – The Michigan League of Conservation Voters today issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives – led by Michigan’s congressional delegation – approved a bill that would set federal drinking water standards for Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), among other safeguards.

“Protecting our Great Lakes means ensuring our drinking water is free from toxic contaminants, like forever chemicals known as PFAS, that have plagued communities across our state,” said Lisa Wozniak, executive director of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “Our Michigan Delegation stepped up to protect our water and the health of our communities by leading the charge on the passage of the PFAS Action Act. We urge the U.S. Senate to take swift action on this bill to set our country’s first national standards for PFAS contamination.”

The legislation has been led by Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI 12th District) and Fred Upton (R-MI 6th District) and co-sponsored by Dan Kildee (D-MI 5th District), Andy Levin (D-MI 9th District), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI 11th District), Haley Stevens (D-MI 8th District), and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI 13th District). The legislation does the following:

• Require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a national drinking water standard for PFOA and PFOS within two years that protects public health, including the health of vulnerable subpopulations.
• Designate PFOA and PFOS chemicals as hazardous substances within one year and requires EPA to determine whether to list other PFAS within five years.
• Designate PFOA and PFOS as hazardous air pollutants within 180 days and requires EPA to determine whether to list other PFAS within five years.
• Require EPA to place discharge limits on industrial releases of PFAS and provides $200 million annually for wastewater treatment.
• Prohibit unsafe incineration of PFAS wastes and places a moratorium on the introduction of new PFAS into commerce.
• Require comprehensive PFAS health testing.
• Create a voluntary label for PFAS in cookware.