U.S. Senate Bill Aims to Reduce Toxic PFAS Pollution for Military Members, Firefighters, and Communities

Strategic Insights -

The U.S. Senate has introduced a bill, known as the Department of Defense PFAS Discharge Prevention Act, which seeks to protect military members, veterans, firefighters, and families from toxic PFAS pollution. Sponsored by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), the bill would require the Department of Defense to monitor for and mitigate PFAS chemicals in stormwater runoff at military bases. This measure is a crucial step towards addressing the widespread contamination of drinking water sources, as 700 installations across the nation have been identified as likely contaminated with PFAS chemicals, with at least 245 facilities polluting or threatening to contaminate drinking water sources.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Department of Defense PFAS Discharge Prevention Act would address PFAS in stormwater runoff at military bases by requiring the Department of Defense to monitor for and mitigate these toxic chemicals.
  • The bill is sponsored by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and has been introduced in the Senate after a similar measure was introduced in the House of Representatives by a bipartisan group of lawmakers.
  • Stormwater runoff from the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam at DOD facilities is a significant source of drinking water pollution, affecting 700 installations across the nation.
  • At least 245 facilities are polluting or threatening to contaminate drinking water sources, according to the Defense Department, including installations in New York, Virginia, and the South.
  • Science has consistently linked PFAS chemicals to various cancers, reduced immune function, birth defects, and other health harms.
  • The Department of Defense estimates that PFAS cleanup at military bases nationwide will take decades and cost billions of dollars.
  • The bill would use a small portion of existing funding to direct the DOD to regularly monitor for PFAS chemicals and implement best management practices to stop PFAS pollution from entering drinking water.
  • Veterans, firefighters, and their families have expressed support for the legislation, reflecting support from 15 states and the International Association of Fire Fighters.

Statistics:

  • 700 DOD installations across the nation have been identified as likely contaminated with PFAS chemicals.
  • At least 245 facilities are polluting or threatening to contaminate drinking water sources, according to the Defense Department.
  • The Department of Defense estimates that PFAS cleanup at military bases nationwide will take decades and cost billions of dollars.
  • Science has linked PFAS chemicals to various cancers, reduced immune function, birth defects, and other health harms.
  • 15 states and the International Association of Fire Fighters have expressed support for the legislation.

Sources:

  • Southern Environmental Law Center
  • U.S. Senate
  • Department of Defense
  • Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
  • Representatives Jennifer McClellan (D-VA04), Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), Pat Ryan (D-NY18), and Nick LaLota (R-NY-01)
  • International Association of Fire Fighters
  • 15 states supporting the legislation (names not provided)