Courtney Bourgoin, courtney.bourgoin@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC-- Today. the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce committee heard testimony on a suite of new bills that would protect Americans at risk of PFAS contamination. More than 20 bills have been introduced recently to study the extent of water pollution, require the Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA) to take action on PFAS emissions, and speed the provision of clean water for communities and agricultural producers impacted by PFAS.
Sierra Club representatives released the following statements following the hearing:
“When my daughter has three seizures a day, I can’t help but wonder if it’s because we moved here and because of the water we are drinking,” said Janet Perreault, Sierra Club volunteer from Norton Shores Michigan. “I work in eldercare. My clients are not safe in their homes, but they can’t sell those homes because of PFAS-contaminated water. Our communities and our families need urgent action to clean up PFAS pollution.”
Today 25 people-- all personally harmed by PFAS contamination-- are visiting Congressional offices to speak on their experiences and call for more urgent action on the issue.
“Our country’s toxic legacy-- a historical failure to safeguard communities from industrial chemicals-- is on full display lately. The evidence is mounting about widespread contamination by a family of industrial chemicals known as PFAS. For too long, chemical companies have been allowed to put harmful chemicals on the market and use them for decades before regulations are enacted,” said Sonya Lunder, Senior Toxics Policy Advisor for the Sierra Club. “We applaud Congress for taking critical action to push the EPA to end PFAS pollution into the environment and provide real support for communities and workers who have been impacted by these chemicals.”
Background:
Communities around the United States are facing grave threats to their health due to toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, better known as PFAS. This class of man-made chemicals is pervasive and toxic; they also never break down in the environment. PFAS chemicals impact nearly every part of the body, including increased risk of developing cancer, thyroid problems, and kidney damage. Exposures during pregnancy and childhood can permanently impair children's health and development.
Despite posing massive risks to public health they are not included in any major environmental laws. EPA and the military have not addressed the PFAS crises, leaving states and local communities with no clear plan to end their harmful exposures.
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.