PFAS, a widely-used, long-lasting chemical, has been found all over the globe and has been associated with harmful health effects. Its current designation as a “hazardous substance” makes CERCLA’s enforcement tools and cost recovery available, which ensures that the polluters (not taxpayers) pay for investigations and cleanup.
Reclassifying PFAS chemicals could lead to less strict rules and cleanup efforts for these dangerous chemicals, as well as increased costs for taxpayers. PFAS cause health problems like cancer, liver damage, and immune system issues. Marginalized groups, including people of color and those with disabilities, are already hurt by environmental hazards due to unfair systems. Making it easier to regulate PFAS could make health differences worse and unfair treatment in the environment even more unjust.
