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Larson Votes for the PFAS Action Act of 2021

July 21, 2021

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted for the PFAS Action Act of 2021 (H.R. 2467) that would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).

"We've known for decades that PFAS chemicals like PFOA and PFOS can harm our health, but current EPA regulations don't reflect the harm they cause. Communities across the country have been exposed to these harmful chemicals, including Windsor, which was exposed to a firefighting PFAS foam spill in 2019 when 50,000 gallons spilled into the Farmington River. The designations made in the bill will give the state of Connecticut and our communities resources to undertake remediation efforts and ensure our drinking water is safe," said Larson.

The PFAS Action Act of 2021 would:

  • Stem the flow of PFAS contamination into the environment by requiring cleanup of sites contaminated with PFOA and PFOS, setting air emission limits, prohibiting unsafe incineration of PFAS, and limiting the introduction of new PFAS chemicals into commerce;
  • Identify health risks by requiring comprehensive health testing for all PFAS, reporting of PFAS releases, and monitoring for PFAS in drinking water;
  • Inform communities of PFAS risks by requiring the EPA Administrator to develop a risk-communication strategy and establish a website with information on testing of household well water; and
  • Limit human exposure to PFAS by requiring a drinking water standard for PFAS that protects public health, including the health of vulnerable subpopulations like pregnant women, infants, and children, and holding polluters accountable.