The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the next three community engagement events on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The EPA’s next community engagement events will be held throughout the summer in Horsham, Pennsylvania; near Fountain, Colorado; and eastern North Carolina.
“Building on the excellent event the agency held in New Hampshire, we look forward to traveling to additional communities to hear directly from those impacted by these chemicals,” said former EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt before his resignation. “The partnerships we are forming through these events and the input we receive will help us develop our PFAS Management Plan and better protect public health.”
The agency’s next event will be an all-day event in Horsham, Pennsylvania, on July 25. The event will include a working session in the morning, followed by a listening session. Those interested in attending can register here: https://www.epa.gov/pfas/forms/pfas-community-engagement-horsham-pa. Those interested in speaking should select the option to speak while registering. The event is open to the public and press.
“The contamination of PFOA and PFOS in drinking water in Bucks and Montgomery counties is a potentially serious health matter for those impacted. I appreciate that the EPA is honoring my request to visit southeastern Pennsylvania and meet with community members who have been impacted by this water contamination,” says Sen. Pat Toomey. “I hope the visit provides the EPA and the CDC with critical information about the possible health effects of PFOA and PFOS exposure.”
EPA continues to work closely with the states and communities in Colorado and North Carolina to finalize details on those events. As additional locations become available, EPA will provide details on www.epa.gov/pfas.
“I am pleased to hear the EPA is proactively reaching out to the local communities who may be affected by PFOS/PFOA exposure,” says Colorado Rep. Doug Lamborn. “I will continue to do everything in my power to facilitate coordination between local and federal authorities. Ensuring that my constituents have safe drinking water has been a priority of mine for a long time. I will continue to work with the EPA and other federal agencies towards that end.”
North Carolina Rep. Richard Hudson says he requested a visit because addressing GenX remains a top priority for him. “I will continue to work with federal, state, and local officials to make sure we get the right information to protect our community.”
