[Press release] AWWA sends letter supporting Amendment 18 in the PFAS Action Act

July 19, 2021

Read the press release by the American Water Works Association

"The American Water Works Association (AWWA) today sent a letter urging members of the House Committee on Rules to approve Amendment 18 in H.R. 2467, the PFAS Action Act.

The Amendment, proposed by Representatives David McKinley, Josh Gottheimer and Lisa McClain, would exempt drinking water and wastewater utilities from PFAS liability except when such utilities have released the chemicals as a result of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

The letter says, “We understand the interest in designating PFAS compounds as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). However, we must flag some unintended consequences of such actions that need to be taken into account.

“If any PFAS compounds are to be designated hazardous substances under CERCLA, we urge Congress to keep liability for PFAS cleanup with PFAS manufacturers and formulators. Congress should not hold community drinking water and wastewater facilities liable for PFAS contamination caused by PFAS products that the country now realizes should not have been allowed into commerce in the United States.”

AWWA's guiding principles on PFAS regulation include a commitment to public health protection, fidelity to scientific process, protection of source water and investment in research. See more at awwa.org/pfas."