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PFAS Definition Improvement Act

12/30/2022, 8:18 AM

Summary of Bill HR 5987

The PFAS Definition Improvement Act, also known as Bill 117 hr 5987, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress aimed at addressing the issue of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination. PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been linked to various health problems, including cancer and immune system disorders.

The main goal of the PFAS Definition Improvement Act is to improve the definition of PFAS in order to better regulate and monitor these harmful chemicals. The bill seeks to expand the definition of PFAS to include all chemicals that are structurally similar to known PFAS compounds, as well as any new PFAS compounds that may be developed in the future.

Additionally, the bill aims to require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a national drinking water standard for PFAS, as well as to set limits on the amount of PFAS that can be released into the environment. The bill also calls for increased funding for research into the health effects of PFAS exposure and for the development of new technologies for removing PFAS from water sources. Overall, the PFAS Definition Improvement Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation that seeks to address the growing problem of PFAS contamination in the United States. By improving the definition of PFAS and implementing stricter regulations on these harmful chemicals, the bill aims to protect public health and the environment from the dangers of PFAS exposure.

Congressional Summary of HR 5987

PFAS Definition Improvement Act

This bill broadens the definition of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, in relation to the reporting requirement under the Toxic Substances Control Act. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain the compounds, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing.

Specifically, the bill provides that PFAS include those substances that contain at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom.

Current Status of Bill HR 5987

Bill HR 5987 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since November 16, 2021. Bill HR 5987 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on November 16, 2021.  Bill HR 5987's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change. as of November 17, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 5987

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
30
Democrat Cosponsors
26
Republican Cosponsors
4
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 5987

Primary Policy Focus

Environmental Protection

Potential Impact Areas

- Administrative law and regulatory procedures
- Business records
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Environmental regulatory procedures
- Government information and archives
- Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
- Manufacturing

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 5987

PFAS Definition Improvement Act
PFAS Definition Improvement Act
To amend the Toxic Substances Control Act with respect to the PFAS data call, and for other purposes.

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