Lawmakers push for swift finalization of proposed standard for PFAS in drinking water

Leaders of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) have sent a letter to the Administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs urging the agency to swiftly finalize its proposed drinking water standard for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

SEEC members who sent the letter include Co-Chairs Reps. Doris Matsui, Mike Quigley, and Paul Tonko, Vice Chairs Reps. Don Beyer of Virginia, Matt Cartwright, Sean Casten, Chellie Pingree, and Katie Porter, and Chair Emeritus Rep. Gerry Connolly,

“We urge you to expeditiously finalize the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed drinking water standard for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS),” the members wrote. “The proposed drinking water standard for PFAS will set science-based limits in drinking water for six PFAS that have been linked to serious health harms, including cancer, reproductive issues, immune system issues, and reduced vaccine effectiveness. These six PFAS have been extensively studied and any final drinking water rule must include all six. Once implemented, the PFAS drinking water standard will prevent tens of thousands of Americans from contracting serious illnesses across the country.

The letter encourages the Biden administration’s finalization of the standard for all six PFAS “and to follow through on President Biden’s campaign promise to ensure there is environmental justice for the communities harmed by these chemicals. These communities have waited decades for action by the EPA.”