U.S. Reps. Bill Huizenga (R-MI) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) on May 5 relaunched the bipartisan House PFAS Task Force for the 118th Congress.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also called “forever chemicals,” pose serious risks to human health and the environment, according to Rep. Huizenga’s office.
“Combatting the challenges created by PFAS contamination along the Lakeshore and across Southwest Michigan is an issue where policymakers must work together to put forward tangible bipartisan solutions,” said Rep. Huizenga, co-chair of the Great Lakes Task Force. “I will continue to work with my colleagues to protect both our drinking water as well as the Great Lakes ecosystem from these harmful chemicals.”
The PFAS Task Force was created in 2019 with Rep. Huizenga as a co-founding member. It is currently led by Rep. Fitzpatrick and U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee (D-MI).
“PFAS chemical contamination is a grave public health threat and environmental issue in my district and for communities across the nation,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said. “While Congress and successive administrations have taken steps in the right direction, we must continue to pursue a whole-of-government approach to the research, restriction, and remediations of these ‘forever chemicals.’ I am proud to serve alongside Congressman Kildee as co-chair of the bipartisan PFAS Task Force and look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to further protect our children and families from the impact of PFAS contamination.”
The PFAS Task Force specifically promotes legislation to address PFAS contamination and holds informational events to educate Congressmembers and staff to increase awareness of PFAS chemicals. Task Force members also meet with congressional leadership, committee chairs, and ranking members to ensure PFAS is sufficiently and more urgently addressed and fight for federal funding to research the harmful effects of forever chemicals and remediate PFAS contamination.