CFE PFAS Disposal Symposium

May 23, 2022

PFAS have been described as “forever chemicals” because they take decades, or longer, to break down. Although they have been linked to cancer, reproductive health issues, and immune system damage, these toxic chemicals are commonly dumped down wastewater drains, sent to incinerators or landfills, with little thought to the long-term impacts of these disposal options.

 

As we advance policy solutions regarding PFAS reduction and cleanup, questions regarding equitable disposal of PFAS become more urgent. With this convening, the Cancer Free Economy Network and our event partners CHEJ and Sierra Club aim to highlight work on PFAS disposal policy and solutions, connect work being done in silos to an overall national strategy and bring together community members, organizers, scientists, government officials and policy experts to discuss current and proposed solutions and begin to form principles for equitable PFAS disposal.

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Agenda (Subject to Change)

Translations will be provided by CFE member Wind of the Spirit Immigrant Resources Center

 

May 23rd (DAY ONE)

 

● Keynote- Linda Birnbaum, Scientist Emeritus, NIEHS and NTP

 

● Panel 1 - Why Do We Fight? PFAS Disposal Is Harming Our Communities

  • Pam Miller, Alaska Community Action on Toxics
  • Tasha Stoiber, Environmental Working Group
  • Jose Aguayo, Center for Health Environment and Justice

 

● BREAK

 

● Panel 2 - How Do We Win? Successful Strategies for Organizing for Equitable PFAS Disposal

  • Jane Williams - California Communities Against Toxics
  • Jonathan Kalmuss-Katz - Earthjustice
  • Cheryl Sommer - United Congregations Metro East
  • Sherry Costa Hanson - Community Activist from Taunton, MA

 

● Networking Session

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May 24th (DAY TWO)

 

● Panel 3 - Where Are We Moving? Safer Models for PFAS Disposal

 

  • Daniel Rosenberg - Natural Resources Defense Council
  • Sonya Lunder - Sierra Club
  • Doug Hatler- 374Water

 

● BREAK

 

● Facilitated breakouts groups on discrete aspects of PFAS disposal issues

 

● Final Activity- Facilitated group conversation

 

● Closing