Albany, NY – State Senator Pete Harckham has voiced strong approval of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recent action to set stringent new standards for PFAS levels in drinking water. In his response to the EPA’s declaration, Harckham emphasized the critical step this represents for environmental protection efforts in the United States. The new ruling establishes the lowest Maximum Contaminant Level deemed feasible for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are widespread and persistent environmental pollutants.
Senator Harckham highlighted the significant health and ecological hazards posed by these man-made ‘forever’ chemicals, which have been linked to numerous health issues in both humans and wildlife. He believes that the EPA’s ruling is a crucial move towards mitigating the dangers associated with PFAS contamination.
Furthermore, Harckham pointed out the importance of adequately funding New York’s Clean Water Infrastructure Act in the upcoming state budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025. He underscores that such funding is essential to eliminate PFAS from New York’s vulnerable drinking water supplies, indicating that the budgetary support would be integral to the success of the EPA’s initiative and the safeguarding of public health.