Washington, DC
(As prepared for delivery)
I rise today to offer my full support for H.R. 535, the PFAS Action Act. This important piece of legislation will significantly help communities around the country that have contaminated water supplies due to these PFAS chemicals. This bill is also an extension of the good work that the House accomplished last year with many provisions relating to PFAS contamination in the National Defense Authorization Act.
One community in my district, Westfield, Massachusetts, has been particularly affected by these substances known as “forever chemicals” because of the past use of certain types of firefighting forms at the National Guard base in the city. Unfortunately, the situation in Westfield is not a unique case. For years, cities and towns around the nation have been trying to resolve this problem with very little help from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Provisions in this bill will ensure that the EPA finally does their part to set safe drinking water standards and to include these hazardous chemicals in the Superfund regulations. Additionally, this legislation will require health testing for all PFAS substances and establish a grant program to help those communities affected to clean up their water supply.
Madame Speaker, as someone who has worked for many years with the city of Westfield and heard from many constituents on this issue, I am glad the House is acting to provide some aid to many of these communities and ensuring our drinking water is clear of these chemicals. I applaud the hard work that has gone into this legislation and the effort of citizens from areas affected by PFAS for their advocacy.
I yield back the rest of my time.
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