Republican legislators in Indiana propose altering PFAS chemical regulations, inciting debate.
Casey Smith reports for Indiana Capital Chronicle.
In short:
- Indiana's Republican House members aim to revive a bill altering the definition of PFAS chemicals, potentially favoring manufacturers.
- The change would integrate into House Bill 1329, initially about septic system inspections, now also reducing Indiana Stadium and Convention Building Authority board size.
- Critics, like Senator Shelli Yoder, fear misinformation on products containing PFAS, which are linked to serious health risks.
Key quote:
"Why is this Legislature advancing a bill that would allow companies to lie to our residents about what is in their shampoo, health products, clothes and other items? It’s unconscionable."
— Senator Shelli Yoder, D-Bloomington
Why this matters:
While federal regulations provide a baseline for environmental protection and public health, they can be slow to adapt to new scientific findings and emerging health threats. State governments, on the other hand, can act more swiftly to address local concerns. This agility allows states to implement stricter standards for PFAS in drinking water, soil, and air, offering residents a higher level of protection. This all depends on a state's willingness to strengthen regulations, however.
