Rep. Luria Votes to Ensure Clean Drinking Water for Coastal Virginians

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, Congresswoman Elaine Luria voted for the PFAS Action Act (H.R. 2467), a bipartisan bill to protect Americans from harmful forever chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their drinking water. 

PFAS are synthetic chemicals found in firefighting foam, food packaging, household cleaners, and many other products. These chemicals are resistant to breaking down and can contaminate sources of drinking water. PFAS have been linked with adverse health effects, including cancer, immune system effects, infertility, impaired child development, high cholesterol, and thyroid disease.

“PFAS are a clear threat to many of our servicemembers living on or near military installations in Coastal Virginia,” said Congresswoman Elaine Luria. “I was pleased to vote for this bill, which will help us address this public health issue with the attention and urgency that it demands. I am pleased to vote for this legislation, and I will continue to prioritize the long-term health of Coastal Virginians and protect our drinking water from this carcinogenic contaminant.” 

The PFAS Action Act will require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to list several categories of PFAS chemicals as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, also commonly known as the Superfund program, within one year of enactment. The bill also requires the EPA to set enforceable limits on the levels of certain PFAS in drinking water and to direct federal resources to clean up sites contaminated by PFAS. H.R. 2467 would instruct the EPA to make a final decision about the safety status of all remaining categories of PFAS chemicals within five years of its enactment. Additionally, it authorizes $800 million in appropriations to fund entities that help fund infrastructure upgrades that reduce PFAS exposure and to local entities for remediation measures.

Congresswoman Luria has been active in addressing the dangers of PFAS. Last year, she voted for the INVEST Act, which contains $25 billion to remove dangerous contaminants like PFAS from local water systems.

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