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U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space and Technology

10/18/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/18/2021 14:31

Chairwoman Johnson Applauds Release of EPA’s PFAS Roadmap to Address Forever Chemicals

October 18, 2021

Chairwoman Johnson Applauds Release of EPA's PFAS Roadmap to Address Forever Chemicals

(Washington, DC) - Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its PFAS Strategic Roadmap to strengthen our approach to addressing PFAS. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of human-made chemicals that are found in a wide range of consumer products. A growing body of evidence has shown that these "forever chemicals" have been linked to adverse health outcomes such as cancer, infertility, impaired childhood development, and thyroid disease. The Roadmap is built upon three main strategies: investing in research, restricting PFAS from entering the environment, and accelerating and broadening remediation efforts. EPA also included timelines for the key actions defined in the Roadmap, and plans to release an annual report to the public on the progress of the plan's efforts, including future actions the Agency may take.

"EPA's release of their PFAS Roadmap today is a critically important move as we work to create a safe and healthy future for all Americans," said Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX). "The actions laid out in EPA's PFAS Roadmap reflect and build upon Administrator Regan and the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to protect the public from these extremely harmful chemicals. We must ensure the decisions in our whole-of-government approach to address PFAS are based on the best available science. I am particularly pleased to see the Agency prioritizing investing in research, development, and innovation to strengthen our understanding of PFAS and accelerate remediation efforts. Additionally, the Roadmap's emphasis on protections for disadvantaged communities that have been disproportionally impacted by PFAS is key as we strive for environmental justice and equity across the nation. I commend Administrator Regan and the PFAS Council on their work to expand and enhance our efforts to act on PFAS. I'm confident in the progress we can make with this plan, and I look forward to working with the EPA as we come together with every tool we have to achieve a safer future for all Americans."