Lawmakers have been laying the groundwork for months to come up with solutions to a growing headache for water providers in all corners of the U.S. House members are meeting today to discuss a strategy for moving through Congress over a dozen bills on pollution from poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—chemicals linked to thyroid and liver problems, cancer, and immune system deficiencies. The problem is enormous. Since 1949, manufacturers have used thousands of different PFAS chemicals in everything from fast-food wrappers to nonstick pans to fire-extinguishing foam. The chemically stable compounds resist heat and accumulate easily in humans and animals. Over 99% of Americans have PFAS in their blood, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. And water utilities are spending millions to reduce the amount of the compounds in their drinking water sources. “Every bit of delay is threatening to the public health and well-being of the American people,” said Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), who as chairman of the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on environment and climate change is presiding over the May 15 hearing.
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