U.S. House Passes Long-Fought-For Forever Chemical Action Bill

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the PFAS Action Act of 2019 (H.R. 535) in a vote of 247-159 to regulate the dangerous lab-made chemicals that have been posing major health risks on communities across the country for decades.

Countless reports show that long-term exposure to these chemicals has been associated with health problems, including liver malfunction, birth defects, thyroid disease, weakened immunity, and certain cancers. 

Public support for federal action to regulate PFAS is growing every day. Hearing after hearing in Congress has documented the overwhelming harm these chemicals have on American communities. In November, a new film called Dark Waters came out also chronicling the dire need for PFAS solutions.

In response to today’s vote,  Food & Water Action Public Water For All Campaign Director Mary Grant said:

“We applaud the House of Representatives for taking action on PFAS toxic chemical pollution; it has been a long-time coming. There is no wiggle room when it comes to enacting a thorough plan to remove these chemicals from our drinking water with enforceable regulations and ensure the biggest polluters are held accountable for cleaning up the worst contamination. 

“The Senate must not compromise when it comes to protecting Americans from the possibility of cancer-causing chemicals in their water. The Senate must pass the PFAS Action Act of 2019, without any weakening amendments. Our country deserves clean water. Nothing less.

“Communities across the nation in at least 43 states face PFAS contamination. We’ve heard powerful testimony from people who lost family members, friends, and neighbors as polluters continue to dodge responsibilities for toxic water pollution. 

“As the EPA continues to drag its feet on any meaningful PFAS clean up and regulations, and as the current administration continues to threaten Americans with strong opposition to legislative solutions, it’s more important than ever that Congress steps up to the plate to protect our water. Every minute PFAS remain unregulated is another minute our communities are exposed to these hazardous and toxic chemicals.”