This month, the House acted to address the continued threat of polyfluoroalkyl substances, otherwise known as PFAS. There is consensus that exposure to PFAS chemicals poses a risk to human health, and protecting the health and safety of Alaskans from potentially contaminated water is one of my priorities. I’m the proud grandfather of young Alaskans, and I don’t want to see them grow up in a world endangered by these substances. PFAS is in a range of products, from fire retardants to food packaging, and even the coating on our cookware. It is urgent that we not only remediate existing contamination, but work to find alternatives to products that use PFAS chemicals.
The PFAS Action Act that I helped pass out of the House was a great example of the legislative process in action. Constituents from Alaska Community Action on Toxics met with my office, identified the problem, and proposed potential solutions. I’m grateful to the countless advocates who helped make passage of the PFAS Action Act possible, and I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure a future of clean air, water and food free of toxins.
– Congressman Don Young
Dean of the House
Washington, D.C.
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