Bipartisan PFAS Legislation Introduced in the House

Comprehensive PFAS legislation was introduced in the House (H.R. 2467) by Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Fred Upton (R-MI).  This bipartisan bill would require EPA to:

• list PFOS and PFOA as a hazardous substance under CERCLA,
• establish a drinking water stand for PFOS and PFOA and evaluate for other PFAS,
• conduct comprehensive toxicity testing of all PFAS,
• list PFOS and PFOA as hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and evaluate other PFAS,
• establish water quality criteria for perfluoroalkyl substances, and
• promulgate effluent limitation guideline plans for organic chemicals, pulp and paper, and textile mills source categories (but not surface finishing).

This proposed legislation is significant because it has bipartisan support in the House and would require EPA to take a comprehensive approach to addressing PFAS.  In addition, it is another example of the growing demand from the public to regulate PFA in the environment.  The bill has been approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee but has not yet been voted on by the full House.  In addition, this legislation approach does not appear to have the same support in the Senate.

NASF will continue to engage on the multiple legislative efforts and provide updates on the potential impacts on the surface finishing industry.  If you have any questions or would like additional information on PFAS legislation, please contact Christian Richter (crichter@thepolicygroup.com) or Jeff Hannapel (jhannapel@thepolicygroup.com) with NASF.

This update is courtesy of the National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF). For more information or to become a member, visit nasf.org.