Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at reducing toxic PFAS contamination at U.S. military facilities and surrounding communities, citing serious health risks for service members, firefighters, and families living nearby.
The DOD PFAS Discharge Prevention Act, announced this week, would direct the Department of Defense to implement best management practices at its bases, airfields, and training sites to limit stormwater runoff contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—commonly known as PFAS or “forever chemicals.”
“Access to clean, safe water is a human right,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This legislation will not only protect service members, firefighters, and communities from toxic PFAS exposure, but it will also reduce the need for costly PFAS remediation.”
The bill would require the DOD to conduct regular PFAS monitoring at its installations and use a portion of existing remediation funds to implement site-specific measures to prevent further contamination at the source.
PFAS chemicals are linked to a range of health problems including cancer, thyroid disorders, birth defects, and reduced immune function. Their use in firefighting foam at defense sites has been identified as a major cause of drinking water contamination across the country.
The bill is endorsed by the Southern Environmental Law Center. “Controlling PFAS at the source using existing law is the most fair and cost-effective path forward,” said Jean Zhuang, a senior attorney with the organization. “This bill is a win-win: it reduces future cleanup costs, protects public health, and ensures taxpayer dollars are used efficiently.”
Companion legislation was introduced in the House by a bipartisan group including Representatives McClellan, Kiggans, LaLota, Ryan, Foushee, Lawler, Cohen, Fitzpatrick, Tlaib, and Scott.
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