U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) have been honored with the Water Quality Association (WQA) Congressional Champion Award for their support of legislation to combat per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination. The awards were presented during the annual WQA Fly-In, a series of strategic meetings on Capitol Hill March 3 and 4 that includes the Water Resources Congressional Summit.
As Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change, Tonko has led committee debates and amendments for numerous PFAS bills, including several that WQA has endorsed. He has co-sponsored several bills to combat PFAS contamination, including one that would require the Environmental Protection Agency to publish a maximum contaminant level for total PFAS.
“Rep. Tonko has a deep understanding of water quality issues,” said WQA Global Governmental Affairs Director David Loveday. “We appreciate his leadership, particularly on issues related to contamination by so-called ‘forever chemicals,’ and his support of a maximum contaminant level.”
“Americans’ health and livelihood depend on having access to clean drinking water, yet countless water systems across the nation are under threat from PFAS and other dangerous contaminants,” Tonko said. “Without immediate action and federal leadership, our communities will continue to be at risk of exposure. I am proud of our work in the House of Representatives to pass a strong PFAS package that would address this crisis and promise to continue fighting to protect Americans and the environment from these harmful chemicals.”
Tillis has been one of the main Republican supporters of PFAS legislation over the past two years, co-sponsoring several WQA-endorsed bills. One of those – the PFAS Detection Act, which became law last year – directs the U.S. Geological Survey to conduct a nationwide survey of PFAS contamination in water sources, including private wells. Tillis also has signed onto a letter calling on the Environmental Protection agency to set a maximum contaminant level for both PFOA and PFOS, two of the “forever chemicals” known collectively as PFAS.
“We honor Sen. Tillis’ support of the new PFAS detection law and his continued support of maximum contaminant levels for PFAS chemicals,” said WQA Global Governmental Affairs Director David Loveday. “He truly is a champion of safer drinking water for all U.S. citizens.
WQA co-hosts the Water Resources Congressional Summit with the Irrigation Association and the National Groundwater Association.
Source: Water Quality Association
