Boyle Re-introduces Legislation to Require Enforceable Nationwide Standard for Perfluorinated Compounds in Drinking Water

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (D-PA-13) today again introduced bipartisan legislation (H.R. 3106) to require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set an enforceable, nationwide primary drinking water standard for PFCs (including PFOA & PFOS). Currently, the EPA sets voluntary advisory guidelines. Congressman Boyle feels the current approach doesn't go far enough considering the growing science on the risks these chemicals present to our drinking water and the national scope of the problem.

"All Americans deserve to have confidence in the safety of their drinking water, no matter what state they live in or what activities have taken place in their community, period," said Congressman Boyle. "Every day we continue to learn more about the scope and seriousness of perfluorinated compounds across the country. It's past time we address these contaminants with the seriousness they merit."

Congressman Boyle's bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ-6), the lead Democrat on the powerful committee of jurisdiction, the Energy and Commerce Committee, as well as Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY-20) and neighboring Republicans, Rep. Patrick Meehan (R-PA-07) and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-08). Boyle's bill is included in Pallone's broader Safe Drinking Water Act modernization package, H.R. 1068, the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 2017.

H.R. 3106 is the product of ongoing efforts with federal officials in direct response to the water contamination issues experienced by communities surrounding the former Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster, former Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove, and Horsham Air Guard Station in Pennsylvania. Congressman Boyle, along with neighboring Congressmen Meehan and Fitzpatrick, have tirelessly worked together to address this local issue in a bipartisan fashion since first becoming aware of the community's concerns. The Congressmen are also working with military officials and other Members of Congress to address the issue nationwide through timely and thorough remediation, funding, study, and support for communities.
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