Washington, DC-- This morning, the Trump Administration issued a veto threat for the House of Representatives National Defense Authorization Act of 2020 (NDAA), citing two provisions that would improve safeguards against contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in our communities.
Washington, DC-- Today, the Senate passed a National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)-- which includes several pieces to address the nation’s growing PFAS contamination crisis. Included is the Senate’s package and a ban on military purchasing and use of all PFAS for fire fighting by 2022 and 2023.
In response, Sonya Lunder, Senior Toxics Advisor for the Sierra Club released the following statement:
Lansing, MI-- Today, the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team announced the first step in the Whitmer administration’s plan to put in place a legal limit on per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS chemicals that widely contaminate Michigan drinking water. The single digit limits proposed today on PFOA and PFNA would represent strictest in the nation.
Washington, DC-- Moments ago, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee unanimously passed a package to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals in drinking water and the environment. The package is limited-- it fails to halt ongoing sources of PFAS pollution in water and consumer products, does not initiate urgent cleanup of polluted sites, nor do the bills classify any PFAS chemicals as hazardous substances and hazardous wastes. Widespread toxic chemical pollution is jeopardizing people’s health in communities across the country.
Today, over 125 people on land and 50 people on water gathered at the “No Methanol Land and Water Action Community Camp-Out” opposing the proposed fracked-gas-to-methanol refinery in Kalama, WA. Speakers called on the Washington Department of Ecology to deny the project, and thanked Governor Inslee for his recent opposition to the project.
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.
Denver, CO—Yesterday evening, the Colorado Senate passed the Firefighting Foams Control Act (HB 19-1279) to ban the sale of firefighting foams that contain harmful PFAS. The bill will head to Governor Jared Polis’ desk for his signature.
Washington, DC-- Yesterday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released interim guidance for cleanup of two toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFOS and PFOA in groundwater. The proposed guidelines are meant to inform the clean-up of contaminated sites, but some critical limitations will hinder their implementation by local, state and federal governments. PFAS chemicals are likely to be present in drinking water for more than 100 million Americans.
Denver, CO-- Moments ago, the Colorado House unanimously passed the Firefighting Foams Control Act (HB 19-1279) to ban the sale of firefighting foams that contain harmful PFAS. It now goes to the Colorado Senate. The law would prohibit the sale of PFAS foam and requires disclosures when the chemicals are used for firefighting gear. The Sierra Club joined fire fighters and Fountain Valley Clean Water Coalition to sponsor and advocate for the legislation.
Washington, DC-- Yesterday, E&E reported that the Environmental Protection Agency’s internal watchdog, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), issued an emergency alert warning that the agency had failed to provide the public with all available data in respect to toxic chemical releases into communities across the country.
Houston, Texas -- The response to the #ITCFire petrochemical disaster has spawned a secondary toxic release. More than 130,000 gallons of toxic Class B fire fighting foams have been used to extinguish the chemical storage facility fire at the Intercontinental Terminal Company, combined with elevated levels of benzene that caused local authorities to issue a shelter-in-place order on Thursday.
Maryland is on the brink of becoming the first state to ban expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam food containers, as the State House passed a bill that would ban restaurants, grocery stores, and other food providers from using foam food containers because of their harmful impact on the environment.