WASHINGTON (September 27, 2019)—Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution calling for the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to include a provision that would require the U.S. military to phase out the use of firefighting foam that uses PFAS chemicals. The bipartisan provision, sponsored by Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), would require the military to cease the use of PFAS-based foam by the end of 2023. PFAS chemicals can contaminate drinking water and groundwater, and are linked to serious health effects. This resolution is an important reminder to both chambers that steps need to be taken to rein in their use, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).
Below is a statement by Genna Reed, lead science and policy analyst for the Center for Science and Democracy at UCS.
“We need a clear path to phase out PFAS use by the U.S. military so we can protect servicemembers, their families and communities near bases. Senator Peters has offered an ambitious but feasible timetable to make sure we can reduce the risk from these dangerous chemicals. This phase-out will help reduce the risk military families face, and set a strong precedent for airports and other users. Congress should act quickly to make sure this proposal, along with other commonsense and comprehensive PFAS provisions seeking to measure contamination, reduce exposure and mandate cleanup, are included in the final NDAA.”
In 2018, UCS released the study “A Toxic Threat: Government Must Act Now on PFAS Contamination at Military Bases.”