Protect Drinking Water from PFAS Act of 2021

Protect Drinking Water from PFAS Act of 2021

This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address the level of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain PFAS, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing.

In addition, the EPA must publish a maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG) and promulgate a national primary drinking water regulation for PFAS. The MCLG and regulation must be protective of the health of subpopulations that may be at greater risk than the general population of adverse health effects from exposure to PFAS in drinking water.

Bill 117 HR 3267, also known as the Protect Drinking Water from PFAS Act of 2021, aims to address the issue of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in drinking water. PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been linked to various health risks, including cancer and reproductive issues.

The bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a national primary drinking water regulation for PFAS within two years of the bill's enactment. This regulation would set maximum contaminant levels for PFAS in drinking water, ensuring that levels of these harmful chemicals are kept below safe thresholds.

Additionally, the bill requires the EPA to designate PFAS as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as the Superfund law. This designation would allow for the cleanup of PFAS contamination sites and hold responsible parties accountable for the costs of remediation. Furthermore, the bill provides funding for water utilities to test for PFAS contamination and upgrade treatment systems to remove these chemicals from drinking water. It also establishes a grant program to help communities affected by PFAS contamination to access clean drinking water. Overall, the Protect Drinking Water from PFAS Act of 2021 aims to protect public health by addressing the widespread issue of PFAS contamination in drinking water and ensuring that all Americans have access to safe and clean drinking water.