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Sen. Bennet dissatisfied with EPA water contamination plans

Posted at 5:13 PM, Feb 15, 2019
and last updated 2019-02-15 19:16:28-05
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Environmental Protection Agency

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Michael Bennet said in a statement Friday a plan from the Environmental Protection Agency to address Per- and Polyflouroalkyl Substances (PFAS) doesn’t do enough.

“Every person in this country should have access to safe drinking water,” Bennet said. “Unfortunately, the EPA’s Action Plan falls short of addressing the serious health threats PFAS pose in drinking water across the country. While the greater focus on these chemicals is welcome, there is very little in the Action Plan that will ease Coloradan’s valid concerns.”

Bennet has worked for two years to address health effects, cleanup, and reimbursement issues associated with PFAS chemicals, which contaminate drinking water sources in Colorado and across the country.

Bennet’s complete statement:

“Every person in this country should have access to safe drinking water,” Bennet said. “Unfortunately, the EPA’s Action Plan falls short of addressing the serious health threats PFAS pose in drinking water across the country. While the greater focus on these chemicals is welcome, there is very little in the Action Plan that will ease Coloradan’s valid concerns.

“It is unacceptable for the administration to drag its heels when it comes to the health and safety of our drinking water. That’s why I’ve pressed for a nationwide study on the health effects of PFAS, and called on the Defense Department to reimburse Colorado water districts for costs they incurred while providing clean water to local residents. I’ll continue working in Congress to hold the EPA accountable, and I encourage my colleagues to take a hard look at Mr. Wheeler’s concerning approach to PFAS before voting for him to lead the EPA. We owe Americans more.”

Previously:

EPA shares action plan to regulate water contaminants