Columbus, OH — Today, Representatives Russo and Lightbody introduced legislation in the Ohio House requiring the Ohio EPA to create regulations for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Ohioans’ drinking water and surface water.
The proposed legislation complements the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and Ohio Department of Health’s PFAS Action Plan for Drinking Water announced in December 2019, created at the direction of Governor Mike DeWine.
Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are a family of nearly five thousand unregulated chemicals used to make many common-place products, from non-stick pans to rugs to firefighting foams. They pose myriad health risks, including cancer.
The following quote can be attributed in part or in full to Pete Bucher, Advocate for the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund:
“Ohioans deserve clean and safe drinking water. We must protect water both at the source and the tap. We applaud Representatives Russo and Lightbody for introducing the first legislation in Ohio to require the state to meaningfully regulate PFAS. This legislation, combined with the DeWine Administration’s PFAS Action Plan, moves Ohio one step closer to safeguarding communities from currently unregulated contaminants.”
The Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund is committed to protecting and enhancing the environment and the health of all Ohio communities. We will continue to fight for Ohio’s access to clean water, healthy air, vibrant public lands and a strong democracy.