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The text of the bill below is as of Jul 22, 2021 (Referred to Senate Committee). The bill was not enacted into law.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works
To require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to designate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980.
Short title; table of contents
This Act may be cited as the PFAS Action Act of 2021 .
Table of contents
The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Designation as hazardous substances.
Sec. 3. Testing of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Sec. 4. Manufacturing and processing notices for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Sec. 5. National primary drinking water regulations for PFAS.
Sec. 6. Enforcement.
Sec. 7. Establishment of PFAS infrastructure grant program.
Sec. 8. Listing of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances as hazardous air pollutants.
Sec. 9. Prohibition on unsafe waste incineration of PFAS.
Sec. 10. Label for PFAS-free products.
Sec. 11. Guidance on minimizing the use of firefighting foam and other related equipment containing any PFAS.
Sec. 12. Investigation of prevention of contamination by GenX.
Sec. 13. Disclosure of introductions of PFAS.
Sec. 14. Household well water testing website.
Sec. 15. Risk-communication strategy.
Sec. 16. Assistance to Territories for addressing emerging contaminants, with a focus on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Sec. 17. Clean Water Act effluent limitations guidelines and standards and water quality criteria for PFAS.
Sec. 18. School drinking water testing and filtration grant program.
Sec. 19. Analytical reference standards for PFAS.
Designation as hazardous substances
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall designate perfluorooctanoic acid and its salts, and perfluoroactanesulfonic acid and its salts, as hazardous substances under section 102(a) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 ( 42 U.S.C. 9602(a) ).
Deadline for additional determinations
Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall determine whether to designate all perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, other than those perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances designated pursuant to subsection (a), as hazardous substances under section 102(a) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 ( 42 U.S.C. 9602(a) ) individually or in groups.
No sponsor, including a sponsor of the civilian portion of a joint-use airport or a shared-use airport (as such terms are defined in section 139.5 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation)), shall be liable under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 ( 42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq. ) for the costs of responding to, or damages resulting from, a release to the environment of a perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance designated as a hazardous substance under section 102(a) of such Act that resulted from the use of aqueous film forming foam agent, if such use was—
required by the Federal Aviation Administration for compliance with part 139 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
carried out in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration standards and guidance on the use of such substance.
In this subsection, the term has the meaning given such term in section 47102 of title 49, United States Code.
Not later than 60 days after making a determination under subsection (b), the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall make the results of such determination publicly available on the website of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Not later than 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report containing a review of actions by the Environmental Protection Agency to clean up contamination of the substances designated pursuant to subsection (a).
The report under paragraph (1) shall include an assessment of cleanup progress and effectiveness, including the following:
The number of sites where the Environmental Protection Agency has acted to remediate contamination of the substances designated pursuant to subsection (a).
Which types of chemicals relating to such substances were present at each site and the extent to which each site was contaminated.
An analysis of discrepancies in cleanup between Federal and non-Federal contamination sites.
Any other elements the Administrator may determine necessary.
Appropriate congressional committees defined
In this subsection, the term means the following:
The Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives.
The Committee on the Environment and Public Works of the Senate.
Testing of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances
Section 4(a) of the Toxic Substances Control Act ( 15 U.S.C. 2603(a) ) is amended by adding at the end the following:
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances rule
Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) through (3), the Administrator shall, by rule, require that comprehensive toxicity testing be conducted on all chemical substances that are perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances.
In issuing a rule under subparagraph (A), the Administrator—
may establish categories of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances based on hazard characteristics or chemical properties;
shall require the development of information relating to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances that the Administrator determines is likely to be useful in evaluating the hazard and risk posed by such substances in land, air, and water (including drinking water and water used for agricultural purposes), as well as in products; and
may allow for varied or tiered testing requirements based on hazard characteristics or chemical properties of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances or categories of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
The Administrator shall issue—
a proposed rule under subparagraph (A) not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this paragraph; and
a final rule under subparagraph (A) not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this paragraph.
Persons subject to rule
Section 4(b)(3) of the Toxic Substances Control Act ( 15 U.S.C. 2603(b)(3) ) is amended—
in subparagraph (A), by striking subparagraph (B) or (C) and inserting subparagraph (B), (C), or (D) ; and
by adding at the end the following:
A rule under subsection (a)(5) shall require the development of information by any person who manufactures or processes, or intends to manufacture or process, a chemical substance that is a perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance.
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances
Section 4 of the Toxic Substances Control Act ( 15 U.S.C. 2603 ) is amended by adding at the end the following:
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances
Testing requirement rule
Protocols and methodologies
In determining the protocols and methodologies to be included pursuant to subsection (b)(1) in a rule under subsection (a)(5), the Administrator shall allow for protocols and methodologies that test chemical substances that are perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances as a class.
In determining the period to be included pursuant to subsection (b)(1) in a rule under subsection (a)(5), the Administrator shall ensure that the period is as short as possible while allowing for completion of the required testing.
In carrying out subsection (c) with respect to a chemical substance that is a perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance, the Administrator—
may only determine under subsection (c)(2) that information would be duplicative if the chemical substance with respect to which the application for exemption is submitted is in the same category, as established under subsection (a)(5)(B)(i), as a chemical substance for which information has been submitted to the Administrator in accordance with a rule, order, or consent agreement under subsection (a) or for which information is being developed pursuant to such a rule, order, or consent agreement; and
shall publish a list of all such chemical substances for which an exemption under subsection (c) is granted.
Manufacturing and processing notices for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances
Section 5 of the Toxic Substances Control Act ( 15 U.S.C. 2604 ) is amended—
in subsection (h), by adding at the end the following:
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), this subsection does not apply to any chemical substance that is a perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance.
Drugs and devices
Paragraph (3) applies to a chemical substance that is a perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance which is manufactured or processed, or proposed to be manufactured or processed, solely for purposes of—
scientific experimentation or analysis with respect to a drug or device (as such terms are defined in section 201 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act) or personal protective equipment (as such term is defined in section 20005 of the CARES Act); or
chemical research on, or analysis of, such a chemical substance for the development of a drug or device (as such terms are defined in section 201 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act) or personal protective equipment (as such term is defined in section 20005 of the CARES Act).
by adding at the end the following:
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances
For a period of 5 years beginning on the date of enactment of this subsection, any chemical substance that is a perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance for which a notice is submitted under subsection (a) shall be deemed to have been determined by the Administrator to present an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment under paragraph (3)(A) of such subsection.
Notwithstanding subsection (a)(3)(A), for a chemical substance described in paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Administrator shall issue an order under subsection (f)(3) to prohibit the manufacture, processing, and distribution in commerce of such chemical substance.
National primary drinking water regulations for PFAS
Section 1412(b) of the Safe Drinking Water Act ( 42 U.S.C. 300g–1(b) ) is amended by adding at the end the following:
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Administrator shall, after notice and opportunity for public comment, promulgate a national primary drinking water regulation for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which shall, at a minimum, include standards for—
perfluorooctanoic acid (commonly referred to as PFOA ); and
perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (commonly referred to as PFOS ).
Not later than 1 year after the validation by the Administrator of an equally effective quality control and testing procedure to ensure compliance with the national primary drinking water regulation promulgated under subparagraph (A) to measure the levels described in clause (ii) or other methods to detect and monitor perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water, the Administrator shall add the procedure or method as an alternative to the quality control and testing procedure described in such national primary drinking water regulation by publishing the procedure or method in the Federal Register in accordance with section 1401(1)(D).
The levels referred to in clause (i) are—
the level of a perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance;
the total levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances; and
the total levels of organic fluorine.
The Administrator may include a perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance or class of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances on—
the list of contaminants for consideration of regulation under paragraph (1)(B)(i), in accordance with such paragraph; and
the list of unregulated contaminants to be monitored under section 1445(a)(2)(B)(i), in accordance with such section.
When establishing monitoring requirements for public water systems as part of a national primary drinking water regulation under subparagraph (A) or subparagraph (G)(ii), the Administrator shall tailor the monitoring requirements for public water systems that do not detect or are reliably and consistently below the maximum contaminant level (as defined in section 1418(b)(2)(B)) for the perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance or class of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances subject to the national primary drinking water regulation.
The national primary drinking water regulation promulgated under subparagraph (A) shall be protective of the health of subpopulations at greater risk, as described in section 1458.
Health risk reduction and cost analysis
In meeting the requirements of paragraph (3)(C), the Administrator may rely on information available to the Administrator with respect to one or more specific perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances to extrapolate reasoned conclusions regarding the health risks and effects of a class of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances of which the specific perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances are a part.
Regulation of additional substances
The Administrator shall make a determination under paragraph (1)(A), using the criteria described in clauses (i) through (iii) of that paragraph, whether to include a perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance or class of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances in the national primary drinking water regulation under subparagraph (A) not later than 18 months after the later of—
the date on which the perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance or class of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances is listed on the list of contaminants for consideration of regulation under paragraph (1)(B)(i); and
the date on which—
the Administrator has received the results of monitoring under section 1445(a)(2)(B) for the perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance or class of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances; or
the Administrator has received reliable water data or water monitoring surveys for the perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance or class of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances from a Federal or State agency that the Administrator determines to be of a quality sufficient to make a determination under paragraph (1)(A).
Primary drinking water regulations
For each perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance or class of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances that the Administrator determines to regulate under clause (i), the Administrator—
not later than 18 months after the date on which the Administrator makes the determination, shall propose a national primary drinking water regulation for the perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance or class of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances; and
may publish the proposed national primary drinking water regulation described in item (aa) concurrently with the publication of the determination to regulate the perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance or class of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Not later than 1 year after the date on which the Administrator publishes a proposed national primary drinking water regulation under clause (i)(I) and subject to item (bb), the Administrator shall take final action on the proposed national primary drinking water regulation.
The Administrator, on publication of notice in the Federal Register, may extend the deadline under item (aa) by not more than 6 months.
Subject to clause (ii), the Administrator shall publish a health advisory under paragraph (1)(F) for a perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance or class of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances not subject to a national primary drinking water regulation not later than 1 year after the later of—
the date on which the Administrator finalizes a toxicity value for the perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance or class of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances; and
the date on which the Administrator validates an effective quality control and testing procedure for the perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance or class of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances.
The Administrator may waive the requirements of clause (i) with respect to a perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance or class of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances if the Administrator determines that there is a substantial likelihood that the perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance or class of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances will not occur in drinking water with sufficient frequency to justify the publication of a health advisory, and publishes such determination, including the information and analysis used, and basis for, such determination, in the Federal Register.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency may not impose financial penalties for the violation of a national primary drinking water regulation (as defined in section 1401 of the Safe Drinking Water Act ( 42 U.S.C. 300f )) with respect to a perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance or class of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances for which a national primary drinking water regulation has been promulgated under section 1412(b)(16) of the Safe Drinking Water Act earlier than the date that is 5 years after the date on which the Administrator promulgates the national primary drinking water regulation.
Establishment of PFAS infrastructure grant program
Part E of the Safe Drinking Water Act ( 42 U.S.C. 300j et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
Assistance for community water systems affected by PFAS
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall establish a program to award grants to affected community water systems to pay for capital costs associated with the implementation of eligible treatment technologies.
Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall publish guidance describing the form and timing for community water systems to apply for grants under this section.
The Administrator shall require a community water system applying for a grant under this section to submit—
information showing the presence of PFAS in water of the community water system; and
a certification that the treatment technology in use by the community water system at the time of application is not sufficient to meet all applicable standards, and all applicable health advisories published pursuant to section 1412(b)(1)(F), for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
List of eligible treatment technologies
Not later than 150 days after the date of enactment of this section, and every 2 years thereafter, the Administrator shall publish a list of treatment technologies that the Administrator determines are the most effective at removing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances from drinking water.
Priority for funding
In awarding grants under this section, the Administrator shall prioritize an affected community water system that—
serves a disadvantaged community;
will provide at least a 10-percent cost share for the cost of implementing an eligible treatment technology;
demonstrates the capacity to maintain the eligible treatment technology to be implemented using the grant; or
is located within an area with respect to which the Administrator has published a determination under the first sentence of section 1424(e) relating to an aquifer that is the sole or principal drinking water source for the area.
No increased bonding authority
Amounts awarded to affected community water systems under this section may not be used as a source of payment of, or security for (directly or indirectly), in whole or in part, any obligation the interest on which is exempt from the tax imposed under chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section not more than $500,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.
Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated by paragraph (1), $25,000,000 are authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2022 and 2023 for grants under subsection (a) to pay for capital costs associated with the implementation of eligible treatment technologies during the period beginning on October 1, 2014, and ending on the date of enactment of this section.
In this section:
Affected community water system
The term means a community water system that is affected by the presence of PFAS in the water in the community water system.
The term has the meaning given that term in section 1452.
Disproportionately exposed community
The term means a community in which climate change, pollution, or environmental destruction have exacerbated systemic racial, regional, social, environmental, and economic injustices by disproportionately affecting indigenous peoples, communities of color, migrant communities, deindustrialized communities, depopulated rural communities, the poor, low-income workers, women, the elderly, the unhoused, people with disabilities, or youth.
Eligible treatment technology
The term means a treatment technology included on the list published under subsection (c).
The term means a perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance with at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom, including the chemical GenX.
Listing of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances as hazardous air pollutants
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall issue a final rule adding perfluorooctanoic acid and its salts, and perfluoroactanesulfonic acid and its salts, to the list of hazardous air pollutants under section 112(b) of the Clean Air Act ( 42 U.S.C. 7412(b) ).
Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall determine whether to issue, in accordance with section 112 of the Clean Air Act ( 42 U.S.C. 7412 ), any final rules adding perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, other than those perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances listed pursuant to paragraph (1), to the list of hazardous air pollutants under section 112(b) of such Act.
Not later than 365 days after any final rule is issued pursuant to subsection (a), the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall revise the list under section 112(c)(1) of the Clean Air Act ( 42 U.S.C. 7412(c)(1) ) to include categories and subcategories of major sources and area sources of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances listed pursuant to such final rule.
Prohibition on unsafe waste incineration of PFAS
Section 3004 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act ( 42 U.S.C. 6924 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator shall promulgate regulations requiring that when materials containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances or aqueous film forming foam are disposed—
all incineration is conducted in a manner that eliminates perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances while also minimizing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances emitted into the air to the extent feasible;
all incineration is conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air Act, including controlling hydrogen fluoride;
any materials containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances that are designated for disposal are stored in accordance with the requirement under part 264 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations; and
all incineration is conducted at a facility that has been permitted to receive waste regulated under this subtitle.
For purposes of section 3008(d), a waste subject to a prohibition under this subsection shall be considered a hazardous waste identified or listed under this subtitle.
Label for PFAS-free products
Label for PFAS-Free products
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall—
revise the Safer Choice Standard of the Safer Choice Program to identify the requirements for a covered product to meet in order to be labeled with a Safer Choice label, including a requirement that any such covered product does not contain any PFAS; or
establish a voluntary label that is available to be used by any manufacturer of any covered product that the Administrator has reviewed and found does not contain any PFAS.
In this section:
The term covered product means—
a cooking utensil;
a stain resistant, water resistant, or grease resistant coating not subject to requirements under section 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act;
food packaging material;
a cleaning product.
The term PFAS means a perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance with at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom.
Guidance on minimizing the use of firefighting foam and other related equipment containing any PFAS
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in consultation with the head of the U.S. Fire Administration, Federal Aviation Administration, and other relevant Federal departments or agencies and representatives of State and local building and fire code enforcement jurisdictions, shall issue guidance on minimizing the use of, or contact with, firefighting foam and other related equipment containing any PFAS by firefighters, police officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and other first responders, in order to minimize the risk to such firefighters, police officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and other first responders, and the environment, without jeopardizing firefighting efforts.
Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Administrator, in consultation with the head of the U.S. Fire Administration, shall submit to Congress a report on the effectiveness of the guidance issued under subsection (a). Such report shall include recommendations for congressional actions that the Administrator determines appropriate to assist efforts to reduce exposure to PFAS by firefighters and the other persons described in subsection (a).
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in consultation with the head of the U.S. Fire Administration and other relevant Federal departments or agencies, shall report to Congress on the efforts of the Environmental Protection Agency and other relevant Federal departments and agencies to identify viable alternatives to firefighting foam and other related equipment containing any PFAS.
In this section, the term “PFAS” means perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, and any other perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance with at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency determines is used in firefighting foam and other related equipment.
Investigation of prevention of contamination by GenX
The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall investigate methods and means to prevent contamination by GenX of surface waters, including source waters used for drinking water purposes.
Disclosure of introductions of PFAS
The introduction of any perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance by the owner or operator of an industrial source shall be unlawful unless such owner or operator first notifies the owner or operator of the applicable treatment works of—
the identity and quantity of such substance;
whether such substance is susceptible to treatment by such treatment works; and
whether such substance would interfere with the operation of the treatment works.
A violation of this section shall be treated in the same manner as a violation of a regulation promulgated under subsection 307(b) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1317(b) ).
In this section:
The term means the introduction of pollutants into treatment works, as described in section 307(b) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1317 ).
The term has the meaning given that term in section 212 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1292 ).
Household well water testing website
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall establish a website containing information relating to the testing of household well water.
The Administrator shall include on the website established under subsection (a) the following:
Information on how to get groundwater that is the source for a household water well tested by a well inspector who is certified by a qualified third party.
A list of laboratories that analyze water samples and are certified by a State or the Administrator.
State-specific information, developed in coordination with each State, on naturally occurring and human-induced contaminants.
Information that, using accepted risk communication techniques, clearly communicates whether a test result value exceeds a level determined by the Administrator or the State to pose a health risk.
Information on treatment options, including information relating to water treatment systems certified to the relevant NSF/ANSI American National Standard for drinking water treatment units by a third-party certification body accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board.
A directory of whom to contact to report a test result value that exceeds a level determined by the Administrator or the State to pose a health risk.
Information on financial assistance that is available for homeowners to support water treatment, including grants under section 306E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926e ) and State resources.
Information about the health risks associated with consuming water contaminated with PFAS as well as recommendations for individuals who believe they may have consumed such PFAS-contaminated water.
Any other information the Administrator considers appropriate.
The Administrator shall ensure information on the website established under subsection (a) is presented in a manner that provides meaningful access to such information for individuals with limited English proficiency.
The Administrator shall coordinate with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Agriculture, and appropriate State agencies in carrying out this section.
Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2022.
The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall develop a risk-communication strategy to inform the public about the hazards or potential hazards of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or categories of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, by—
disseminating information about the risks or potential risks posed by such substances or categories in land, air, water (including drinking water and water used for agricultural purposes), and products;
notifying the public about exposure pathways and mitigation measures through outreach and educational resources; and
consulting with States that have demonstrated effective risk-communication strategies for best practices in developing a national risk-communication strategy.
Assistance to Territories for addressing emerging contaminants, with a focus on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances
Section 1452(t) of the Safe Drinking Water Act ( 42 U.S.C. 300j–12 ) is amended—
by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph:
Assistance to Territories
To the extent that sufficient applications are received, the Administrator shall use not less than 2 percent of the amounts made available under this subsection to provide grants to the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and Guam for the purpose of addressing emerging contaminants, with a focus on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Clean Water Act effluent limitations guidelines and standards and water quality criteria for PFAS
Water quality criteria
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall publish in the Federal Register human health water quality criteria under section 304(a)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1314 ) for each measurable perfluoroalkyl substance, polyfluoroalkyl substance, and class of such substances.
Effluent limitations guidelines and standards for priority industry categories
As soon as practicable, but not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall publish in the Federal Register a final rule establishing, for each priority industry category, effluent limitations guidelines and standards, in accordance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, for the discharge (including a discharge into a publicly owned treatment works) of each measurable perfluoroalkyl substance, polyfluoroalkyl substance, and class of such substances.
The Administrator shall notify the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate of each publication made under this section.
Implementation assistance for publicly owned treatment works
The Administrator shall award grants to owners and operators of publicly owned treatment works, to be used to implement effluent limitations guidelines and standards developed by the Administrator for a perfluoroalkyl substance, polyfluoroalkyl substance, or class of such substances.
Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to carry out this subsection $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026, to remain available until expended.
No increased bonding authority
Amounts awarded to an owner or operator of a publicly owned treatment works under this section may not be used as a source of payment of, or security for (directly or indirectly), in whole or in part, any obligation the interest on which is exempt from the tax imposed under chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
In this section:
The term means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
The term has the meaning given that term in section 502 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1362 ).
The term means, with respect to a chemical substance or class of chemical substances, capable of being measured using test procedures established under section 304(h) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1314 ).
The term means a chemical of which all of the carbon atoms are fully fluorinated carbon atoms.
The term means a chemical containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom and at least one carbon atom that is not a fully fluorinated carbon atom.
Priority industry category
The term means the following point source categories:
Organic chemicals, plastics, and synthetic fibers, as identified in part 414 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
Pulp, paper, and paperboard, as identified in part 430 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
Textile mills, as identified in part 410 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
Electroplating, as identified in part 413 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
Metal finishing, as identified in part 433 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
Leather tanning and finishing, as identified in part 425 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
Paint formulating, as identified in part 446 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
Electrical and electronic components, as identified in part 469 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
Plastics molding and forming, as identified in part 463 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
The term has the meaning given that term in section 212 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1292 ).
School drinking water testing and filtration grant program
Part F of the Safe Drinking Water Act ( 42 U.S.C. 300j–21 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following:
School PFAS testing and filtration grant program
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall establish a program to make grants to eligible entities for—
testing for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water at schools that is conducted by an entity approved by the Administrator or the applicable State to conduct the testing;
installation, maintenance, and repair of water filtration systems effective for reducing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water at schools that contains a level of any perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance that exceeds—
an applicable maximum contaminant level established by the Administrator under section 1412; or
an applicable standard established by the applicable State that is more stringent than the level described in subparagraph (A); or
safe disposal of spent water filtration equipment used to reduce perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water at schools.
Guidance; public availability
As a condition of receiving a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall—
expend grant funds in accordance with any applicable State regulation or guidance regarding the reduction of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water at schools that is not less stringent than any applicable guidance issued by the Administrator;
make publicly available, including, to the maximum extent practicable, on the website of the eligible entity, a copy of the results of any testing carried out with grant funds received under this section; and
notify parent, teacher, and employee organizations of the availability of the results described in paragraph (2).
An eligible entity receiving a grant under this section may use not more than 5 percent of grant funds to pay the administrative costs of carrying out the activities for which the grant was made.
Definition of eligible entity
In this section, the term eligible entity means—
a local educational agency; or
a State agency that administers a statewide program to test for, remediate, or filter perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water.
Authorization of appropriation
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026, to remain available until expended.
Analytical reference standards for PFAS
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall require each covered entity to submit to the Administrator an analytical reference standard for each perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance with at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom manufactured by the covered entity after the date that is 10 years prior to the date of enactment of this Act.
The Administrator may—
use an analytical reference standard submitted under this section only for—
the development of information, protocols, and methodologies, which may be carried out by an entity determined appropriate by the Administrator; and
activities relating to the implementation or enforcement of Federal requirements; and
provide an analytical reference standard submitted under this section to a State, to be used only for—
the development of information, protocols, and methodologies, which may be carried out by an entity determined appropriate by the State; and
activities relating to the implementation or enforcement of State requirements.
No person receiving an analytical reference standard submitted under this section may use or transfer the analytical reference standard for a commercial purpose.
In this section:
The term covered entity means a manufacturer of a perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance with at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom.
The terms manufacture and State have the meanings given those terms in section 3 of the Toxic Substances Control Act ( 15 U.S.C. 2602 ).
Passed the House of Representatives July 21, 2021.
Cheryl L. Johnson,
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