Water Systems PFAS Liability Protection Act
Water Systems PFAS Liability Protection Act
Plain Language Summary
# Water Systems PFAS Liability Protection Act - Summary **What It Does:** This bill would shield water utilities and related entities from lawsuits and financial liability under federal environmental cleanup laws when they handle PFAS chemicals ("forever chemicals" found in many industrial products). Specifically, it protects public water systems, treatment facilities, municipalities, and contractors hired by these entities from being held responsible for PFAS contamination—but only if they're managing or disposing of these chemicals legally and as part of their normal water treatment duties. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily benefits water utilities, municipal governments, and contractors that treat and manage water supplies. Indirectly, it could affect everyday people who rely on public water systems, since utilities facing fewer lawsuits might have more resources for treatment.
However, it could limit legal recourse for communities or individuals harmed by PFAS contamination if they want to sue water providers. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't advanced to a floor vote yet. PFAS contamination in drinking water is a growing concern nationwide, making this a developing policy area.
CRS Official Summary
Water Systems PFAS Liability Protection Act This bill exempts specified water management entities from liability under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) for releases of certain perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS. Specifically, the entities covered under the bill are public water systems, publicly or privately owned or operated treatment works, municipalities with a stormwater discharge permit, political subdivisions or special districts of a state that act as a wholesale water agency, and contractors performing the management or disposal activities for such entities. Under the bill, the exemption only applies if a specified entity transports, treats, disposes of, or arranges for the transport, treatment or disposal of PFAS consistent with applicable laws and during and following the conveyance or treatment of water under federal or state law, such as through the management or disposal of biosolids consistent with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Liability for damages or costs associated with the release of certain PFAS must not be precluded if an entity acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.