California lawmaker proposes state-level ‘forever chemical’ limits

California Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D) has taken a bold step towards protecting the health and well-being of Californians by introducing a crucial piece of legislation. The AB 794 bill, introduced on Wednesday, aims to establish state-mandated drinking water standards for toxic “forever chemicals.” This move comes at a crucial time, as there are growing fears that existing federal limits could be scrapped by the current administration.

The bill, if passed, will direct the State Water Resources Control Board to adopt emergency regulations that would set limits for these harmful chemicals. The limits will be at least as protective as the federal guidelines, ensuring that Californians have access to clean and safe drinking water.

“Forever chemicals” refer to a group of man-made substances known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals are used in a wide range of products, including non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foam. However, they have been linked to a host of health issues, including cancer, thyroid disease, and reproductive problems.

Currently, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a non-binding health advisory limit for PFAS in drinking water. However, this limit is considered by many experts to be inadequate and does not provide sufficient protection for public health. In addition, the EPA has been criticized for its slow response to addressing the issue and for potentially rolling back regulations on these harmful chemicals.

In light of this, Assemblymember Gabriel’s bill is a much-needed measure to ensure that California takes the lead in protecting its citizens from these toxic substances. “Our families deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing their drinking water is safe and free from harmful chemicals,” said Assemblymember Gabriel. “We cannot afford to wait for the federal government to act — we must take action now to protect the health and safety of our communities.”

The bill has received widespread support from environmental groups and public health advocates. They see it as a crucial step towards addressing the growing concerns over PFAS contamination in California’s water sources. “PFAS chemicals are a significant threat to public health, and we applaud Assemblymember Gabriel for taking action to protect Californians from these toxic substances,” said Sarah Sikich, Vice President of Heal the Bay.

In addition to setting limits for PFAS in drinking water, the bill also includes provisions for monitoring and testing for these chemicals. This will help identify and address any potential sources of contamination, ensuring that Californians have access to clean and safe drinking water.

If the bill is passed and signed into law, California will join a handful of other states that have taken similar measures to regulate PFAS in drinking water. This includes New Jersey, which recently set the strictest limits for PFAS in the country, and Michigan, which has been dealing with a major PFAS contamination crisis.

Assemblymember Gabriel’s bill is a crucial step towards protecting the health and safety of Californians. It sends a strong message that the state is committed to ensuring that its citizens have access to clean and safe drinking water. Furthermore, it serves as a reminder that states have the power to take action when the federal government fails to do so.

It is now up to the State Water Resources Control Board and the California legislature to pass this bill and put in place strong and enforceable limits for PFAS in drinking water. The health and well-being of Californians should not be compromised in the face of corporate interests. The time to act is now, and Assemblymember Gabriel’s bill is a step in the right direction. Let us hope that it will be passed swiftly and without delay, setting a precedent for other states to follow.

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