The Trump Administration Wants Toxic Forever Chemicals In Our Water

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives plans to vote on the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes provisions to address water and food contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). On Tuesday, the Trump administration threatened to veto the entire defense policy package if it includes two specific provisions related to PFAS. His administration opposes military cleanup of agricultural water sources contaminated with PFAS and the phase-out of firefighting foam containing these toxic forever chemicals.

In response, Food & Water Watch Executive Director Wenonah Hauter issued the following statement:

“The Trump administration has reared its ugly head again with an immature and reckless cop-out to shirk federal responsibilities to address widespread PFAS-contamination and its threats to human health, food safety, and water quality. By opposing the push to clean up PFAS and curb their use, the Trump Administration is saying one thing: they want toxic chemicals in our water and food. 

“Congress must stand strong in their efforts to address the PFAS crisis to protect communities across the country that face water and food contamination from these toxins. We urge the House to pass these provisions, and to go further: we need the polluter to pay. The House must pass the Dingell-Kildee amendment to designate PFAS as hazardous chemicals under the Superfund law. It’s beyond time to start the work to address decades of exposure to these toxic chemicals without any safeguards. Our country deserves an urgent and comprehensive response to this crisis -- Not Trump’s shifty marooning of our water and food safety.”

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Contact: Jackie Filson, [email protected], 202-683-2538