Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Antonio Delgado (NY-19), Mike Gallagher (WI-08), and Dan Kildee (MI-05), introduced H.R. 2577, bipartisan legislation that would require per-and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS) to be listed on the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The PFAS Right-to-Know Act would require certain manufacturers, processors, and producers to report their usage of PFAS chemicals to the EPA, which would then be publicly available in accordance with the Emergency Planning Community Right to Know Act.
“Our constituents have a right to clean drinking water. The more we learn about these chemicals, the clearer the danger becomes which is why the American people deserve to know where these toxins are used,” said Fitzpatrick. “In communities across the country, PFAS chemicals have poisoned the drinking water of countless Americans and we must act swiftly to stop the spread of these dangerous chemicals and hold those responsible for this crisis accountable.”
“I have seen first-hand the impact of PFAS contamination in my district and will continue to work across the aisle to tackle this urgent issue. PFAS is a toxic chemical and ought to be treated as such. I am proud to introduce legislation today that will give us a more accurate understanding of where PFAS is being used across the country.” Rep. Delgado continued, “The American people have a right to drink clean water and breathe clean air, and my bill is one of many steps to ensure all Americans are protected from these harmful chemicals.”
“Northeast Wisconsin knows all too well about the growing threat that PFAS pose to our waters and our communities,” said Rep. Gallagher. “We need a better understanding of where these contaminants come from, and adding them to the TRI will ensure we have more information on how to address this problem. I’m proud to join my colleagues in this bipartisan effort to protect places like the Bay of Green Bay and all our nation’s water resources.”
“Americans deserve to know if harmful PFAS chemicals are contaminating the water they drink or air they breathe. This bill will shed light on which manufacturers and producers are using PFAS chemicals to help us hold them accountable and protect our communities from this growing public health crisis. I thank Congressman Delgado for his leadership on this issue and am proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill,” said Congressman Kildee.
Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA Act) created the Toxics Release Inventory Program at the EPA. This inventory tracks the use and management of toxic chemicals capable of threatening human health and the environment. Facilities in various industry sectors are required to report annually how much of each chemical included in the inventory is being released to the environment. This reporting system supports informed decision-making by companies, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the public. H.R. 2577, The PFAS Right-To-Know Act would create a 34th chemical class that industrial facilities with over 10 employees who exceed a certain threshold of PFAS yearly, would need to report to the EPA.