ILTA Engages in PFAS Discussions Ahead of Congressional Action

ILTA is actively lobbying against amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would effectively ban per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for military use. The amendments, which are not relevant to the underlying legislation, include several measures that ILTA and a broad industry PFAS coalition oppose.  

One controversial measure would designate the entire class of PFAS chemicals as hazardous, requiring federal cleanup under the Superfund law. ITLA believes that Congress should not attempt to legislate a “one size fits all” regulatory approach to a broad family of related chemicals. This would ignore the best science and fail to provide the usual protections provided by a full notice and comment rulemaking.

The Senate version of the NDAA that passed in June contained some PFAS riders, including directing EPA to set a safe drinking water standard. Other requirements would encourage the military to phase out the use of firefighting foam containing PFAS as effective substitutes become available (none currently exist) and mandate the testing of firefighters for the substance during their physical exams.

The House version, passed in July, went much further by designating all PFAS as hazardous. Republican leaders, ILTA and other trade associations and companies continue to fight the House provisions. The White House recently issued a veto threat against the House bill.