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Federal PFAS Research Evaluation Act
12/15/2023, 4:06 PM
Summary of Bill S 466
The main goal of the Federal PFAS Research Evaluation Act is to enhance the federal government's research efforts on PFAS and to evaluate the potential health risks associated with these chemicals. The bill calls for the establishment of a task force within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to coordinate research activities related to PFAS and to develop a comprehensive strategy for assessing and managing the risks posed by these substances.
Additionally, the bill requires the EPA to conduct a nationwide survey to identify sources of PFAS contamination and to assess the extent of exposure to these chemicals among the general population. The results of this survey will be used to inform future regulatory actions and to prioritize cleanup efforts in areas where PFAS contamination is most severe. Overall, the Federal PFAS Research Evaluation Act aims to improve our understanding of the health and environmental impacts of PFAS and to develop effective strategies for addressing these concerns. By enhancing research efforts and promoting greater transparency and accountability in the regulation of PFAS, this bill seeks to protect public health and the environment from the harmful effects of these chemicals.
Congressional Summary of S 466
Federal PFAS Research Evaluation Act
This bill requires various studies and reports on the exposure, hazards, and management of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS. These substances 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 requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) to conduct a two-phase study and report on the research and development needed to advance human exposure estimation and toxicity hazard estimation of individual or total PFAS.
The bill also requires the NSF and the Environmental Protection Agency to jointly enter into an agreement with NASEM to conduct a study and submit a report on the research and development needed to advance the understanding of the extent and implications of environmental contamination by PFAS, how to manage and treat such contamination, and the development of safe alternatives.
Finally, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy must submit an implementation plan for federal PFAS research, development, and demonstration activities, taking into account the recommendations of the NASEM reports.
