Biden-Harris Administration’s PFAS Action Plan for 2023
The Biden-Harris Administration has taken a monumental leap forward in environmental and public health protection with an ambitious plan to combat per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pollution. These chemical compounds, notorious for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks, have become a central focus in the Administration’s agenda to ensure clean air, water, and food for all Americans.
Key Points:
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced a PFAS Roadmap, delineating actions from 2021-2024 to address PFAS comprehensively.
- Investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal and Build Back Better Agenda contribute significantly to combating PFAS, emphasizing drinking water safety.
- Enhanced testing and research methods have been initiated by the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to detect and mitigate PFAS.
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) are expanding efforts to understand and minimize PFAS in the food supply.
- The creation of an Interagency Policy Committee on PFAS, led by the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), consolidates federal response to PFAS risks.
Overview of the 2023 PFAS Pollution Strategy
At the helm of these efforts, the EPA’s PFAS Roadmap lays out a strategic approach grounded in science and policy, targeting PFAS at the source and ensuring accountability for polluters. This strategy is a testament to the Administration’s dedication to fact-based decision-making and social equity, particularly addressing impacts on disadvantaged communities.
Further strengthening these measures, significant funding from President Biden’s infrastructure initiatives underscores a clear prioritization of addressing PFAS contamination, particularly in the water systems. These funds are earmarked for grants aimed at emerging contaminants, showcasing a proactive stance against these environmental threats.
Federal and Local Collaboration for PFAS Cleanup
The Department of Defense stands as a critical ally, advancing clean-up assessments and expanding testing capabilities at military installations, thereby demonstrating the Administration’s resolve in tackling PFAS issues at military installations. This interdepartmental mobilization is a clear sign of the government’s comprehensive commitment to this cause.
Parallel to these efforts, the FDA’s expanded testing in the food supply chain reflects an administration wide approach to PFAS, considering the widespread ramifications of PFAS exposure in daily consumer habits. Similarly, the USDA’s investment in research provides a broader understanding of PFAS in agriculture, directly linking environmental safety with food security.
Innovation is at the forefront of this battle against PFAS, with federal agencies like the FAA actively researching alternatives to PFAS-containing firefighting foam. Such initiatives highlight the Administration’s commitment to future-proofing safety protocols against PFAS-related hazards.
The establishment of an Interagency Policy Committee on PFAS is a strategic move, ensuring synchronized efforts across federal entities. This initiative underscores the holistic view the Administration is taking, recognizing that the PFAS challenge transcends individual departments and demands a unified response.
The Biden-Harris Administration’s comprehensive plan against PFAS pollution stands as a landmark initiative, intertwining rigorous research, proactive policy, and robust funding. It is a multifaceted approach that promises to safeguard public health and protect the environment from the pervasive threat of PFAS.
