Lauren Lantry, lauren.lantry@sierraclub.org
Yesterday, the Trump administration sent a spending request to Congress calling for steep cuts to several research programs focused on PFAS and the neurotoxin lead. In total, more than 16 million Americans including those living on 126 military bases have documented PFAS contamination in their drinking water -- but as many as 110 million Americans could be drinking PFAS contaminated water. The budget request would slash nearly $220 million from four PFAS research programs including the Sustainable and Healthy Communities program which researches end-of-life management of PFAS-containing materials such as industrial waste, household waste to minimize PFAS pollution. The budget would also zero out a $14 million lead remediation grant program.
PFAS is linked to decreased effectiveness of childhood vaccines, liver and kidney damage, increased risk of thyroid disease, decreased fertility, pregnancy complications, lower birth weights, birth defects and cancer. Exposure during pregnancy and childhood can permanently impair children's health and development. Without prompt and effective EPA action, the toxic chemical continues to be dumped into waterways, wild places and water supplies serving our neighborhoods and armed forces.
The Trump administration has made a point of disregarding the grave dangers of PFAS pollution. In 2018, the Trump administration tried to hide a report detailing the extent of PFAS pollution in our communities. Early this year, the EPA announced their action plan which focuses exclusively on two banned PFAS, leaving thousands more chemical virtually unregulated. The plan will also take years to enact. Research and action are needed to protect Americans from this dangerous chemical.
In response, Sierra Club Senior Toxics Advisor Sonya Lunder released the following statement:
“EPA has the power to mandate water testing for PFAS, stop on-going pollution, and clean up contaminated places. But Trump is effectively gutting the agency’s budget while Wheeler drags his feet. This administration is recklessly ignoring one of our country’s most urgent public health crises. If a budget reflects values, then it’s clear this administration sees little importance in protecting public health, nor a sense of urgency for the millions of Americans being harmed by these toxic chemicals.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.