Federal PFAS Research Evaluation Act

Bill: 117-hr-7289
Sponsor: Rep. Fletcher, Lizzie [D-TX-7]
Introduced: 2022-03-30 in the House
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Animal and plant health
Congressional oversight
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Environmental health
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Product safety and quality
Research administration and funding
Research and development

Summary:
action_date: 2022-03-30
text: 

Federal PFAS Research Evaluation Act

 
This bill requires various studies and reports on the exposure, hazards, and management of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS. These substances are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain the compounds, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing.
 
Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) to conduct a two-phase study and report on the research and development needed to advance human exposure estimation and toxicity hazard estimation of individual or total PFAS.
 
The bill also requires the EPA to jointly enter into an agreement with NASEM to conduct a study and submit a report on the research and development needed to advance the understanding of the extent and implications of environmental contamination by PFAS, how to manage and treat such contamination, and the development of safe alternatives.
 
Finally, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy must submit an implementation plan for federal PFAS research, development, and demonstration activities, taking into account the recommendations of the NASEM reports.

action_date: 2022-07-13
text: 

Federal PFAS Research Evaluation Act

 
This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) to complete various studies and reports related to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain the compounds, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing.
 
Specifically, the bill requires the EPA to enter into an agreement with NASEM to (1) study and report on research and knowledge gaps identified by the Federal Government Human Health PFAS Research Workshop (October 26 and 27, 2020); and (2) identify research and development needed to identify, categorize, evaluate, and address individual or total PFAS. Additionally, the EPA and other relevant federal agencies must enter into an agreement with NASEM to submit a study and report to better understand the research and development needed to better understand the extent and implications of human and environmental contamination by PFAS and any management and treatment options.
 
After NASEM submits the required reports, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy must submit an implementation plan to Congress for increased collaboration and coordination of federal PFAS research, development, and demonstration activities.

action_date: 2022-07-26
text: 

Federal PFAS Research Evaluation Act

 
This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) to complete various studies and reports related to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain the compounds, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing.
 
Specifically, the bill requires the EPA to enter into an agreement with NASEM to (1) study and report on research and knowledge gaps identified by the Federal Government Human Health PFAS Research Workshop (October 26 and 27, 2020); and (2) identify research and development needed to identify, categorize, evaluate, and address individual or total PFAS. Additionally, the EPA and other relevant federal agencies must enter into an agreement with NASEM to submit a study and report to better understand the research and development needed to better understand the extent and implications of human and environmental contamination by PFAS and any management and treatment options.
 
After NASEM submits the required reports, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy must submit an implementation plan to Congress for increased collaboration and coordination of federal PFAS research, development, and demonstration activities.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-07-27
text: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2022-07-26
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2022-07-26
text: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 359 - 62 (Roll no. 389). (text: CR H7092-7093)
action_date: 2022-07-26
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 359 - 62 (Roll no. 389).(text: CR H7092-7093)
action_date: 2022-07-26
text: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H7142-7143)
action_date: 2022-07-26
text: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
action_date: 2022-07-26
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 7289.
action_date: 2022-07-26
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H7092-7095)
action_date: 2022-07-26
text: Mr. Beyer moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
action_date: 2022-07-13
text: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 313.
action_date: 2022-07-13
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 117-406.
action_date: 2022-07-13
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 117-406.
action_date: 2022-05-17
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2022-05-17
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2022-03-30
text: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
action_date: 2022-03-30
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2022-03-30
text: Introduced in House