To direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue guidance on minimizing the use of firefighting foam containing PFAS, and for other purposes.

Bill: 116-hr-2638
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Fletcher, Lizzie [D-TX-7]
Introduced: 2019-05-09
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Environmental regulatory procedures

Fires

First responders and emergency personnel

Hazardous wastes and toxic substances

Law enforcement officers

Worker safety and health
Latest action: action_date: 2019-09-26
text: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote .

Summaries:
action_date: 2019-05-09
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p>This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to issue guidance on minimizing first responders' use of equipment (e.g., foam used to fight fires) that contains perfluoroalkyl or 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.</p>

tv_txt: I 116th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2638 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 9, 2019 Mrs. Fletcher introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce A BILL To direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue guidance on minimizing the use of firefighting foam containing PFAS, and for other purposes.

1. Guidance (a) In general Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall issue guidance on minimizing the use of firefighting foam and other equipment containing any PFAS by firefighters, police officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and other first responders, in order to minimize the risk to such firefighters, police officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and other first responders, and the environment, without jeopardizing firefighting efforts. (b) Definition In this Act, the term PFAS means a perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance with at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom.