Florida is on the verge of becoming the second state to ban the addition of fluoride to public water systems. The state House passed a bill that broadly prohibits "additives" in water systems, which includes fluoride. Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to sign the bill into law.
If enacted, Florida would follow Utah, which recently passed a similar ban set to take effect in May. Several other states, including Kentucky, Massachusetts and Nebraska, are also considering similar legislation.
EPA Outlines Upcoming PFAS Action
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin recently outlined upcoming agency action to address PFAS in drinking water.
In this suite of actions, Administrator Zeldin announced a long list that included in part the designation of an agency lead for PFAS, the creation of effluent limitations guidelines for certain PFAS to stop these forever chemicals from entering drinking water systems, and initiatives to engage with Congress and industry to establish a clear liability framework that ensures the polluter pays and passive receivers are protected.
EPA Calls on Mexico to Help With Border Sewage Problem
Zeldin also called on Mexico to halt the flow of raw sewage from Tijuana into Southern California during a recent press conference, emphasizing that Mexico must take responsibility for the pollution and stating it cannot be viewed as solely a U.S. problem.
Southern San Diego County has long suffered from wastewater contaminated with chemicals and pathogens originating from insufficient treatment in Mexico. This cross-border pollution, reaching California through ocean currents and the Tijuana River, has led to beach closures, illnesses and airborne contaminants, posing a significant public health threat.
Prior to the press conference, Zeldin toured the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant which sits on the American-Mexican border, and attended a roundtable with local, state and federal elected officials to discuss the impacts this crisis has had on the community.
