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Hudson Statement on EPA PFAS Action Plan

February 14, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2019
Hudson Statement on EPA PFAS Action Plan
WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08), a leader on the Energy and Commerce Committee, released the following statement after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Action Plan:
"Today the EPA has taken a positive step forward in how we manage PFAS chemicals," said Rep. Hudson. "It has become abundantly clear that we need a comprehensive approach that involves coordination between state and federal partners. While I am encouraged by the attention the EPA has given this issue, I urge them to continue their work to finalize the toxicity report and move to develop a Maximum Contaminant Level for GenX so we may keep our water clean and safe for our citizens. I‘m in constant contact with state officials and we're working in a bipartisan way as we move forward."
As a leader on efforts to tackle GenX, Rep. Hudson met with EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Water Dave Ross yesterday to discuss the action plan. This action plan follows the EPA's draft toxicity assessment which was released in November to gather public input.
In September, during a Subcommittee hearing to examine PFAS, Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden applauded Rep. Hudson's leadership saying, "I understand, from Mr. Hudson, that a similar situation exists in his state and I appreciate his efforts to help North Carolinians." In addition, Subcommittee Chairman John Shimkus said, "Many of us are familiar with these substances because of the work of our colleagues, Mr. Tonko, Mr. Upton, and Mr. Hudson, in their districts and states."
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Rep. Hudson chaired September's Subcommittee hearing on PFAS water contamination.
Click here to watch Rep. Hudson's opening statement during the Subcommittee hearing. The transcript and more information on that hearing can be found here.
BACKGROUND
Rep. Hudson continues to be on the front lines of this issue. On August 14, Rep. Hudson arranged for the EPA to hold a PFAS community engagement event in Fayetteville. Rep. Hudson invited the EPA to hold a community engagement event so the EPA can hear directly from constituents to take action on PFAS.
Once the event was confirmed, he invited Michael S. Regan, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, to attend the PFAS community engagement event in Fayetteville to further coordinate efforts between federal, state, and local leaders. To read that letter, click here.
On June 21, Rep. Hudson sent a letter to the former EPA Administrator, Scott Pruitt, encouraging the EPA to consider visiting North Carolina as part of their continued work on PFAS. Rep. Hudson invited the EPA to visit the eighth district, specifically Fayetteville. To read that letter, click here.
In April, he questioned Administrator Pruitt on GenX and continued his efforts to monitor reports of GenX in areas along the Cape Fear River, to encourage the swift collection and evaluation of data, and to help ensure appropriate measures are taken. To watch Rep. Hudson's questioning of Administrator Pruitt, click here.
On March 6, Rep. Hudson sent a letter to Administrator Pruitt to encourage a thorough examination of GenX that would help develop a comprehensive plan for containment and removal of GenX. To read the letter, click here. The agency responded on April 24, saying, "A key priority for the EPA is to further the understanding of human health impacts of PFAS to support states and local communities. The EPA is currently developing human health toxicity information for GenX that will provide a scientific basis for states and communities to set or refine public health goals." To read that letter, click here.
This letter followed Rep. Hudson's questioning of Administrator Pruitt at a Subcommittee on Environment hearing on December 7, 2017. To watch those questions, click here.
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Issues:Environment