House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022 Regular Session

Posted:	May 3, 2021 02:16 PM
From:	Representative MaryLouise Isaacson
To:	All House members
Subject:	Chemicals: Classification and Cleanup

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that can enter our bodies through drinking water, which can have significant negative long-term effects, such as low infant birth weight, a weakened immune system, and even cancer. These chemicals were evident in certain firefighting foams that were used in former Navy and Air National Guard bases decades ago and are now contaminating the surrounding areas. In an effort to help our communities clean up these contaminated areas, I will be introducing legislation that will attack the problem in three ways. First, the legislation would add PFAS to the list of hazardous substances under the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act. This would allow municipalities legal recourse in seeking damages from the responsible parties. Second, it would allow the governor to declare an emergency – similar to that of an emergency declared during a natural disaster – in communities affected by drinking water systems polluted with PFAS over 10 parts per trillion. Finally, the measure would provide affected communities with access to grants through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) to aid in the cleanup of their water systems. Please join me in support of this important legislation.
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Introduced as HB1414