WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today applauded the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s announcement that it will move forward with publishing the regulatory determination for PFOA and PFOS in the Federal Register. This announcement comes days after Ranking Member Capito sent a letter to White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain regarding this very issue.
“While not uncommon when an administration changes, the rules freeze issued was impeding urgent action in working towards the regulation of forever chemicals in drinking water. I greatly appreciate Mr. Klain’s prompt attention, and I’m encouraged by the administration’s response to this environmental and public health matter. I’m hopeful we can continue to work together in this way on other issues,” Ranking Member Capito said.
Ranking Member Capito’s full letter to Chief of Staff Klain can be found here.
BACKGROUND:
Senator Capito has long advocated for EPA to set a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water, introducing several pieces of bipartisan legislation directing EPA to take such an action. EPA finalized their determination to regulate PFOA and PFOS in drinking water in January of this year. The memo sent by Chief of Staff Klain froze publication of EPA’s determination and stopped the agency’s development of a drinking water regulation. Today’s announcement confirms that EPA will move forward with their work. Learn more about Senator Capito’s work on PFAS here.
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