Maine's two Democratic Representatives to Congress say they want federal agencies to better regulate a group of forever chemicals known as PFAS.
Jared Golden and Chellie Pingree are co-sponsors of the PFAS Action Act. Speaking on the House floor Wednesday, Pingree said there are currently no enforceable standards for PFAS levels in drinking water, "leaving communities without the information or the funding to protect our citizens."
She urged her colleagues to pass the bill.
"Some of the things that PFAS Action will do: it will finally designate PFAS as a hazardous chemical, thereby ensuring PFAS contamination is cleaned up and polluters pay for their actions."
The bill would also require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to develop national drinking water regulations for PFAS.
The chemical is found in consumer goods, such as food packaging and stain and water-repellent fabrics. It is linked to adverse health outcomes, including immune system issues and cancer.
Updated 2:40 p.m. Jan. 9, 2020
