Hudson Discusses GenX and Water Quality with EPA Administrator Regan

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In an Environment Subcommittee hearing today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) discussed drinking water contamination with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan, the former secretary of North Carolina’s Department of Environmental Quality. In his remarks, Rep. Hudson addressed the PFAS chemical GenX, the EPA's efforts to evaluate, validate, and deploy technologies for reducing PFAS, as well as the organic compound 1,4-Dioxane which has impacted North Carolina communities in addition to GenX.

"Addressing drinking water contamination - especially GenX - is extremely important to me and has been one of my priorities as Member of this subcommittee," said Rep. Hudson. "You are well aware that North Carolina, specifically Cumberland County in my District and folks downstream, have a disproportionate burden in our water basins when it comes to [GenX]. In April, traces of 1,4-Dioxane (Di-OX-Ane) were also identified in Chatham County’s water supply. I’m concerned about downstream impacts on my District where my constituents live. I know the EPA does not regulate 1,4-Dioxane in drinking water, however I would appreciate any insight your team could give us on any EPA regulatory efforts on this substance."

In his remarks, Rep. Hudson asked Administrator Regan about the EPA’s plans to evaluate, validate, and deploy technologies like supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) to destroy PFAS. Rep. Hudson is a leader in Congress on addressing contamination from PFAS chemicals and has led efforts to combat GenX that has impacted communities in the Cape Fear River region.

In addition to his discussion, Rep. Hudson submitted a written question asking Administrator Regan if he supports a statutory fix to preserve motorsports enthusiasts from regulations under the Clean Air Act that the EPA has not deemed essential to enforce. Rep. Hudson has introduced the RPM Act to preserve this industry that is a key driver of North Carolina’s economy.

Watch his remarks here.

###