Scientists Celebrate PFAS Victories in NDAA
December 17, 2019
WASHINGTON, DC— December 17, 2019
The U.S. Senate today approved the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which contains groundbreaking provisions to reduce harm from the “forever chemicals” PFAS that are contaminating the drinking water of millions of Americans. These include nationwide water testing for PFAS by the U.S. Geological Survey and phasing out PFAS in military firefighting foam. The president is expected to sign the bill into law before the end of the year.
Unfortunately, provisions for addressing PFAS under Superfund and the Clean Water Act were removed from the final bill. But Green Science Policy Institute scientists, who have been studying PFAS for several years, were nonetheless impressed with the progress the bill makes.
“The provisions for nationwide water testing and phasing out PFAS in military firefighting foam are a major milestone in the fight against PFAS,” said Tom Bruton, Senior Scientist at the Green Science Policy Institute. “Just a few years ago achieving such critical actions, especially the foam phaseout, seemed impossible.”
“PFAS never go away and should only be used when they are essential,” according to Arlene Blum, Executive Director of the Green Science Policy Institute. “Though not all of the PFAS provisions made it through this time, expanded water testing will build political will for reducing their use and a healthier world for us all.”
AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS:
- Tom Bruton, PhD, Green Science Policy Institute, (510) 898-1739, [email protected]
- Arlene Blum, PhD, Green Science Policy Institute, (510) 919-6363, [email protected]
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