Ranking Member Larsen, T&I Member Pappas Applaud EPA for Announcing Plan to Address "Forever Chemicals"

Press Release

Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Rick Larsen (D-WA) and Representative Chris Pappas (D-NH) applaud the Environmental Protection Agency for releasing the Effluent Guidelines Program Plan 15 (Plan 15), which will help protect the nation's waterways from "forever chemicals" such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Specifically, Plan 15 lays out how the agency will develop technology-based pollution limits to stop these "forever chemicals" at the source.

""Forever Chemicals' have no place in our communities and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s plan of attack will be critical to delivering clean, safe water to American families," Ranking Member Larsen said. "The Environmental Protection Agency's Plan 15 will protect waterways across the United States by creating limits for industrial pollutants informed by innovative technology and analysis. It will also ensure that polluters, and not the public, remain responsible for preventing the release of chemicals into our waterways. I commend Representative Pappas for his dedication to addressing this issue with the urgency it deserves and all members who have been active on addressing "forever chemicals.'"

"EPA's announcement today is an important step forward to address PFAS contamination in our communities, and while this is a positive step, it is clear that more is needed to keep communities and families safe," Congressman Chris Pappas said. "Communities in New Hampshire and across the country have been calling for action to address these 'forever chemicals' and their negative health effects, and this plan will be welcome news. My legislation, the Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act, addresses many of the components of the Administration plan announced today. This bipartisan bill would regulate PFAS at the federal level, provide impacted communities with the resources they need, and hold polluters accountable. I will continue to work to advance this and other legislation to address PFAS and will be watching closely as EPA's plan is put in place and implemented. I remain committed to addressing PFAS contamination and putting forward solutions that will save lives and improve health outcomes for people in New Hampshire and throughout the country."

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