Upton seeks prompt removal of PFAS contaminants in water near military facilities

U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) on May 9 sponsored a bipartisan bill to encourage federal agencies and states to hasten cooperation to remove certain pollutants from drinking, surface and groundwater located near federal military installations or National Guard facilities.

“PFAS contamination is such a serious issue in our state and in communities across the nation and I’m proud that Michigan continues to lead the way on bipartisan solutions to effectively address it,” Rep. Upton said last week.

The congressman unveiled the PFAS Federal Facility Accountability Act of 2019, H.R. 2626, with lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) to require that federal agencies quickly cooperate with states to remove contamination from man-made chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) once they are detected in communities located near active and formerly active military installations and National Guard facilities.

If enacted, Rep. Upton’s office said that under H.R. 2626, the U.S. government would be required to adhere to both federal and state laws regarding PFAS cleanup.

H.R. 2626 also would facilitate testing, monitoring, removal, and remediation of PFAS contaminants if they’re found in the water and soil, and federal agencies would be required to develop a plan of action in cooperation with states within one year of a state’s cleanup request.

“The legislation we introduced today is yet another important step forward as we work to keep Michiganders and people across the country safe,” he said. “All levels of government need to be cooperating more and working together so that everyone is on the same page and that’s what this bill does.”

H.R. 2626 is under review in the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee.