Us Congress House Bill HB6805

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/14/23
• Refer: 12/14/23
• Refer: 12/15/23
• Refer: 1/2/24

Caption

PFAS Action Act of 2023

Impact

If enacted, HB 6805 is expected to have significant implications for environmental and public health laws. It will enhance regulatory control over PFAS, requiring increased testing, reporting, and cleanup of contaminated sites. The bill emphasizes the establishment of a PFAS infrastructure grant program to support communities that need to replace contaminated water systems, thus promoting water safety. Additionally, by categorizing these substances as hazardous, the law will bolster reporting and remediation efforts required from industries that produce or utilize PFAS.

Summary

House Bill 6805, titled the 'PFAS Action Act of 2023', aims to address the serious health and environmental concerns posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This legislation mandates that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designate specific PFAS compounds, notably perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluoroactanesulfonic acid (PFOS), as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. The bill includes provisions for the establishment of national drinking water regulations for PFAS and requires testing and analysis of these substances to better determine their risks to human health and the environment.

Contention

While support for HB 6805 has emerged from environmental organizations and public health advocates, there are concerns regarding its implementation. Industry opponents may argue against the economic implications of increased regulation and the costs to comply with new safety standards. Debate may also arise regarding the adequacy of the EPA's capacity to effectively roll out the regulatory requirements and funding necessary for successful implementation. The balance between regulatory demands and economic viability for affected industries appears to be a major point of contention.