Three amendments introduced by U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) were adopted July 21, 2021, as part of the PFAS Action Act, a landmark bill approved by the House of Representatives to help clean up PFAS contamination and regulate “forever chemicals.”
The PFAS Action Act, a comprehensive, bipartisan bill, will limit the creation of potentially dangerous new PFAS chemicals and help fund clean up efforts across the country for areas that have been impacted by contaminated water.
Slotkin’s amendments to the bill were passed shortly before the House approved the entire bill. Her provisions would:
• Improve an EPA resource website that will include guidance and information on how residents can test household well water for PFAS and what to do if traces are found;
• Increase grant funding for local communities to $500 million annually for the next five years to cover the cost of PFAS treatment; and
• Expand the PFAS-Free Product Labeling Program, which will require the EPA to incorporate PFAS into an existing “safe-labeling” program for certain products.
Slotkin has been a strong advocate for PFAS cleanup since she became an elected official. In remarks on the House floor this morning to discuss the PFAS Action Act, she noted that discussions with constituents, including many who get their water through private household wells, helped inform her amendments to the bill.
Slotkin’s full remarks in support of the bill are available HERE.
“I have always believed that environmental security is Homeland Security, because it’s about the safety and security of our kids and the preservation of our way of life in Michigan,” Slotkin said in a release. “If you can’t take your grandchildren fishing and the lakes you grew up on, or can’t safely hand your child a glass of water without knowing they might get a learning disability. That is a threat to your family.
“We’ve kicked the can down the road long enough when it comes to finally addressing the PFAS issue. And I’m happy to stand here today to fight for a bill that will make a real difference in people’s lives when it comes to clean water.”
The PFAS Action Act would:
• Direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement a drinking water standard for PFAS;
• Provides grants to impacted water systems to support cleanup;
• Requires limitations and standards for PFAS introduction or discharge; and
• Provides specific guidance for first responders to limit their potential exposure in emergency situations.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) in 2018 issued an emergency ‘Do Not Eat’ fish advisory for all fish between the Huron River at Milford (Oakland County) to the Huron River at Base Line and Portage Lakes (Livingston and Washtenaw county lines) due to PFOs, contained in PFAS.
You can read our coverage of PFAS by clicking here.
