Virginia's General Assembly is rapidly advancing legislation aimed at identifying PFAS sources in the state's water systems.
Charlie Paullin reports for the Virginia Mercury.
In short:
- The bills, supported by both the state's Senate and House, seek to pinpoint the origins of PFAS contamination, with backing from Governor Glenn Youngkin.
- Public water systems may soon need to report PFAS levels exceeding federal guidelines, facilitating better protection of public health.
- An advisory committee will review reports on significant PFAS sources, aiming for effective monitoring and potential regulation.
Key quote:
"There is a lot of hard work that went into this, and it is an excellent first step in addressing the threats of PFAS to public health in Virginia."
— Betsy Nichols, vice president of the Potomac Riverkeeper Network.
Why this matters:
This legislative effort accentuates the importance of proactive state intervention in the face of federal regulatory challenges, especially as it pertains to the pervasive issue of PFAS contamination. Politicians and appropriate agencies are taking notice amidst a growing call for action.
