Following Pappas’s Advocacy, EPA Finalizes PFAS Regulation for Drinking Water, Announces Federal Funds to Address PFAS Contamination

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) applauded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to finalize PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation which issues strict Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL) for PFAS chemicals. In today’s announcement, EPA is also making available $1 billion in funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law to help address PFAS contamination in both municipal systems and private wells, with a focus on small and rural communities.

“Today’s announcement is a much-needed step forward in addressing PFAS contamination in drinking water and protecting the health and well-being of families in New Hampshire and across the country,” said Congressman Pappas. “I’m pleased that this decision finally establishes enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels for certain PFAS chemicals in drinking water as well as designates funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law to further combat PFAS pollution in rural and underserved communities. I will continue working with my colleagues at the federal, state, and local levels to protect people and our environment from toxic ‘forever chemicals’ while also ensuring that our communities have the resources they need to meet these standards.”

Pappas has been a leader in addressing PFAS and fighting for better standards, increased investment, and a stronger national focus on the issue of PFAS contamination. He helped secure at least $9 billion in the bipartisan infrastructure law to help communities address emerging contaminants like PFAS. Pappas introduced the No Taxation on PFAS Remediation Act, which would remove federal taxes on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination reimbursements. He has also introduced the Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act, bipartisan legislation which has twice passed the House and would require EPA to set strong limits on PFAS discharges from industrial polluters in order to turn off the spigot of PFAS pollution. Heeding Pappas’s call, the Biden Administration announced it was establishing enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels for certain PFAS chemicals in drinking water.