The Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies is applauding the introduction of bipartisan legislation that would provide a statutory shield for water systems under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) for PFAS, and help ensure that polluters, not the public, pay for PFAS cleanup.
Introduced by Reps. John Curtis (R-Utah) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Washington), the bill provides statutory protection for water utilities in light of the upcoming designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under CERCLA.
"CERCLA is intended to hold polluters accountable for the damage they cause to our environment," said AMWA CEO Tom Dobbins. "But in the case of PFAS, the law could allow those responsible for producing the chemicals to pass off cleanup liability to community water systems that must remove the contaminants from their source waters. AMWA supports the 'Water Systems PFAS Liability Protection Act' because it would close this loophole and ensure that polluters — and not innocent water system ratepayers — get the bill for CERCLA cleanups related to PFAS."
Firefighting Foam Producer Settles PFAS Contamination Lawsuit
A manufacturer of firefighting foam with a production facility in Wisconsin recently agreed to pay $750 million to settle lawsuits from communities struggling with water contamination caused by PFAS.
While details on which communities will receive funds are still emerging, this settlement represents a significant step toward addressing PFAS contamination linked to firefighting foam.
Study Says Green Wastewater Treatment Could Save the US Billions
A new study suggests a greener approach to wastewater treatment could be a win-win for both the environment and citizens' wallets.
Researchers propose utilizing natural solutions like wetlands and reforestation in addition to traditional treatment plants in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save the U.S. as much as $15.6 billion.
