Us Congress Senate Bill SB4173

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/18/24
• Refer: 4/18/24

Caption

Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act of 2024

Impact

If enacted, SB4173 will necessitate heightened monitoring and regulation of PFAS discharges from various industries. The bill mandates the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop water quality criteria for measurable PFAS substances and to establish effluent limitations for specific industrial categories. This will not only enhance water quality standards but also empower local water treatment facilities to address PFAS contamination more effectively, thereby improving public health outcomes and ecological safety.

Summary

SB4173, titled the 'Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act of 2024,' aims to establish effluent limitations guidelines and water quality criteria for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (collectively known as PFAS) under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. This legislation seeks to address the pressing environmental and health concerns related to PFAS contamination in water sources across the United States. By instituting strict standards and guidelines, the bill is positioned to mitigate the harmful effects of these chemicals on human health and the environment.

Contention

The discussions surrounding SB4173 emphasize the balance between regulatory requirements and the impacts on industries that discharge PFAS into water systems. While proponents argue that stringent regulations are necessary for protecting public health, critics may raise concerns regarding the financial and operational burdens these regulations impose on businesses. Additionally, questions around the feasibility of compliance and the technological capabilities of industries to meet these standards could also arise, leading to a broader debate about environmental responsibility versus economic implications.