Sierra Club Statement on EPA Rule to Use Superfund Law to Clean Up PFAS Pollution

EPA Announces A Critical Rule to Clean Up Forever Chemicals and Protect Public Health

April 19, 2024

Washington, DC-- Today the Biden administration announced the completion of a critical rulethat will clean up pollution from two per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). Both will be deemed as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), otherwise known as Superfund.

This final rule recognizes the potential dangers to the environment and public health by increasing transparency of any discharges of these pollutants, as well as eliminating barriers to clean-up. Exposure to PFAS substances known as "forever chemicals" persist and accumulate in the body over time. They have been linked to impacts on the liver and heart, various cancers, and are known to cause immune and developmental problems in children.

In response, Sierra Club Legislative Director Melinda Pierce released the following statement:

"The EPA is taking critical steps to protect public health from 'forever chemicals' that threaten both our environment and our public health. There is no safe level of exposure to PFAS chemicals, and by designating additional substances to Superfund, the EPA will be able to move swiftly to clean up contaminated sites and hold polluters accountable. Combined with the recently announced drinking water standard for PFAS and the critical investments made through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, President Biden and his administration have prioritized action over rhetoric when it comes to safeguarding our communities."

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About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.

toxics, PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)