Shaheen Applauds EPA's New Designation of Two Widely Used PFAS Chemicals as "Hazardous"

Press Release

U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) today applauded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for taking significant action to protect families and communities from the health risks posed by certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals."

Specifically, the EPA unveiled its proposal to designate two of the most widely used PFAS substances as hazardous under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as "Superfund." If finalized, the rulemaking would trigger reporting of PFOA and PFOS releases, providing the EPA with improved data and the option to require cleanups and recover cleanup costs to protect public health and encourage better waste management.

"Granite Staters know all too well the harmful impacts of PFAS chemicals, which are tied to adverse health effects and environmental pollution. The administration took an important step today toward classifying two of the most widely used and dangerous PFAS chemicals -- PFOS and PFOA -- as hazardous substances under the Superfund law," said Senator Shaheen. "I've long pushed for this designation to increase transparency and hold polluters accountable, and I'll keep working to improve our public health response and support Granite Staters affected by PFAS contamination."

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