Calvert Statement on CAL-EPA Perchlorate Standard

WASHINGTON, DC - Today Congressman Ken Calvert (R-CA-44) issued the following statement in response to California's public health goal level of 6 parts perchlorate per billion parts of water.

"Perchlorate has been an important issue in my congressional district and I'm encouraged that the state has come forward to adopt a standard that citizens can feel comfortable with. However, I think it is also important to keep this standard flexible until a study being conducted by the National Academy of Science (NAS) is complete. The National Academy of Science, renowned for having some of the most qualified experts in their respective disciplines, is under contract with federal agencies to issue their independent findings on perchlorate this fall. Their findings will be based on sound science that all states can rely on. Differing state standards for perchlorate will adversely affect the ability to deliver water to consumers. Residents of California, and the country, deserve a water supply that is safe and reliable. The National Academy of Science will provide the proper health standards for perchlorate and at the same time ensure that unnecessary hardships will be avoided. I encourage the leadership in California to keep the recently issued standard as a flexible and temporary guide until the NAS study is completed this fall."