Sánchez introduces bill to require PFAS manufactures to pay for clean up

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) today introduced the PFAS Cleanup Act, a bill that would require manufacturers of PFAS chemicals to help fund the cleanup of contamination from these forever chemicals in our nation's water supply.

The bill would establish a 45 percent tax on the manufacturing of PFAS, with the revenue used to fund a tax credit of up to 25 percent for public and private water agencies to remove PFAS contamination from their water supplies.

“PFAS contamination is a serious public health issue affecting communities throughout Southern California and across the country,” said Congresswoman Sánchez. “The companies that manufacture these chemicals should help pay to clean them up. My bill ensures that the cost of addressing this public health problem does not fall entirely on taxpayers and the water agencies.”

PFAS contamination is a growing public health crisis. These chemicals have been linked to cancer, child developmental issues, fertility problems, and other serious health concerns.

In California, PFAS have been detected in water systems serving nearly 26 million people, according to a recent report by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). The problem disproportionally impacts disadvantaged communities, where up to 9 million people are exposed to forever chemicals in their water. 

However, that number is expected to rise, as California expands monitoring of drinking water sources for PFAS near landfills, airports, oil and gas facilities, and other potential contamination sites.

The PFAS Cleanup Act has been endorsed by the NRDC, the Environmental Working Group and the Waterkeepers Alliance.

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