Durbin Discusses Environmental Quality Priorities With EPA Administrator Michael Regan

Durbin Discusses Environmental Quality Priorities With EPA Administrator Michael Regan

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan to discuss environmental quality initiatives impacting Illinoisans, ranging from removing lead service pipes to regulating harmful chemicals like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and ethylene oxide (EtO).

During their conversation, Durbin and Regan focused on the pervasiveness of PFAS contamination, particularly in drinking water, and how to protect communities from the toxic chemicals released by industry. Durbin received an update on EPA's PFAS Strategic Roadmap, which outlines remediation actions targeting PFAS, including monitoring PFAS releases into surface waters and collecting PFAS data from drinking water facilities. Durbin expressed support for curbing PFAS manufacturing and preventing releases into the environment. He urged Regan to continue to use EPA's full authority to enforce the law to protect communities and the environment from further contamination from PFAS.

"Protecting our environment from toxic hazards like lead, EtO, and PFAS is truly a matter of public health. When our environment is unhealthy, so is the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the food we eat," said Durbin. "I appreciate the opportunity to speak directly with EPA Administrator Michael Regan today about how we can mitigate harm from PFAS and to improve the quality of life for Illinois communities, especially our environmental justice and low-income communities that are most impacted by toxic chemical exposures."

A photo of the meeting is available here.

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