Federal Pfas Research Evaluation Act

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. LUCAS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7289, the Federal PFAS Research Evaluation Act.

PFAS is an acronym for a large range of manufactured chemicals that are exceptionally strong and durable and have the ability to withstand high temperatures. These characteristics make them incredibly valuable in countless products, from cell phones to wind turbine components to military aircraft to everything in between.

The high strength and durability of PFAS also mean they don't break down easily in the environment. But their essential use in industry and consumer products is exactly why it is important we remember not to villainize the entire category of chemicals.

The hazard and risk profiles of various PFAS are immensely different. Using certain PFAS in a controlled, responsible manner is safe and effective. Understanding the distinct properties of each of these chemicals will allow us to continue the important uses and benefits of PFAS technologies.

That is why I rise in support of H.R. 7289. This bill seeks to increase our understanding of PFAS by directing the Environmental Protection Agency to work with the National Academies to conduct two studies.

The first study is to better understand human exposure, behavior, and toxicity of PFAS. It will allow us to better address research and knowledge gaps that were identified by the National Academies in 2020.

The second study is focused on understanding the extent and implications of PFAS contamination, as well as research needed to manage and treat contamination and develop safe alternatives.

Together, these studies will help us better address PFAS using the best available science.

At the end of the day, removing harmful PFAS from production and cleaning up legacy contaminations to protect human health is a bipartisan issue. But we need to understand the full extent of what we are seeking to remove, how to best do it, and the potential implications, if executed.

I thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Meijer), my colleague on the Science, Space and Technology Committee, for leading this bill, and being an informed, smart advocate on this issue.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. LUCAS. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Meijer).

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. LUCAS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to close.

In December of last year, the Science, Space and Technology Committee held a hearing on research and development relating to PFAS. I was impressed to hear just how far along the companies are when it comes to technologies that can safely and effectively destroy PFAS in the environment.

I mention that because it is part of why I am optimistic about our ability to improve our environmental stewardship. When it comes to protecting human health and the environment, we are making tremendous progress through technology. There are very few problems, if any, that innovation cannot address. We can spur that innovation by arming ourselves with the best possible information, data, and scientific knowledge.

H.R. 7289 does exactly that for PFAS. It doesn't label all PFAS as deadly, and it doesn't ban using it. It simply identifies areas of research that will help us address PFAS using the best available science.

I thank Representative Lizzie Fletcher for introducing this legislation and working in a bipartisan manner to advance it, and I also thank Science, Space and Technology Committee members, Representatives Meijer and Posey, for cosponsoring this bill.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source