House Passes Comprehensive PFAS Bill

July 22, 2021 Wendi Wilkes

Yesterday (7/21), the U.S. House of Representatives passed the PFAS Action Act of 2021 (H.R. 2467), a comprehensive bill that would require regulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under multiple environmental laws and sets deadlines for EPA actions, including:

Within two years, establish a national drinking water standard under the Safe Drinking Water Act for at least PFOA and PFOS
Within one year, designate PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), and require EPA to determine whether the remaining PFAS should be designated as hazardous substances within five years
Within 180 days, designate PFOA and PFOS as hazardous air pollutants and require EPA to determine whether to list other PFAS as hazardous air pollutants within five years
Require the EPA to place discharge limits on industrial releases of PFAS and provide $200 million annually to upgrade water infrastructure
Place a moratorium on the introduction of new PFAS into commerce under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
Require comprehensive PFAS health testing
Create a voluntary label for PFAS in cookware and other products

Twenty-three Republicans joined 218 Democrats to approve the bill with a 241-183 vote in the House. There is no indication from the Senate when they may take up this bill.