The U.S. House of Representatives on July 21 voted 241-183 to approve the bipartisan PFAS Action Act of 2021, which is cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI).
If enacted, H.R. 2467, which Rep. Upton and bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) introduced in April, would establish requirements and incentives to limit the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, and to remediate them in the environment. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects, according to the congressional record bill summary.
“I am proud to have led this effort with my Michigan colleague Debbie Dingell to accomplish these goals,” Rep. Upton said. “I’m especially glad to see the House pass this important legislation with strong bipartisan support.”
Additionally, the legislation would direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to designate the PFAS perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, thereby requiring remediation of releases of those PFAS into the environment, the summary says.
The bill also would provide $200 million in funding for water utilities and wastewater treatment, according to Rep. Upton’s office.
“Clean drinking water is a top priority for southwest Michigan families and communities, but dangerous PFAS contamination – like we saw in Parchment a number of years ago – is a real threat to our freshwater systems,” said Rep. Upton. “It’s clear that we need an all-hands-on-deck approach to actively prevent chemical spills, safeguard human health, and protect our environment.”
The U.S. Senate received H.R. 2467 on July 22 and referred it to the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee for consideration.