GLI has joined a coalition of national, state, and local organizations encouraging Congress to take a measured and fully-informed approach to regulating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. These substances are a class of synthetic chemicals that have been in use in the United States since the 1940s and can be found in products such as food packing and non-stick coating materials as well as many other common household and commercial items. Detection of PFAS in some water resources has brought them to the attention of environmental regulators and lawmakers. 

In a letter, the coalition urged members of Congress to follow well-established regulatory processes and to ensure regulations are grounded firmly in scientific data.

The letter reflects the core concepts on PFAS regulations that GLI’s 2019-2020 Federal Agenda outlines:

GLI encourages EPA to develop a better understanding of the public health and environmental risks posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and the transport pathways by which these chemicals move within the environment. Ensuring that EPA’s response to PFAS is fully grounded in scientific analysis will help ensure regulations are appropriate, improve the treatment strategies by public clean water utilities, and avoid unintended consequences. 

Read the full coalition letter here.