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WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) reacted to reports that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will not set maximum contaminant levels (MCL) for PFAS.

“PFAS is a clear threat to human health and our environment,” said Dingell. “Establishing one national protective standard for all PFAS chemicals in water is urgently needed. EPA officials came to Michigan and saw contaminated sites and heard the urgent need for action. It’s disappointing reports indicate the opposite. I will work with Congressional leadership, committees, and colleagues from both sides of the aisle to get this addressed. If the administration refuses to act, Congress will.”

Dingell has long-urged the EPA to set a national MCL for all PFAS compounds so there is one national standard for all water systems to ensure safe drinking water. Currently, states may issue public health warnings when contaminant levels reach 70 ppt (parts per trillion), as set by the EPA, but there are no enforcement mechanisms. Dingell supports setting a maximum contaminant level for all PFAS chemicals to address the severe health effects that have been linked to even low levels of exposure.

Last week, Dingell and Reps. Fred Upton (R-MI) and Dan Kildee (D-MI) introduced bipartisan legislation that designates all PFAS chemicals as hazardous substances and allows the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to clean up contaminated sites in Michigan and across the country.

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