Today, Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) joined environmental advocates and local officials in celebration of the signing of his Emerging Contaminants legislation, S1759, into law. This new law requires statewide drinking water testing of so-called ‘forever chemicals’ such as PFOS/PFOA.
“Ever since the contamination crises in Hoosick Falls, Newburgh, and elsewhere, New Yorkers have needed comprehensive water quality testing more than ever,” said Senator Skoufis. “This new law demonstrates our commitment to listening and addressing the needs of communities harmed by poisoned water, and signals our determination to protect New Yorkers and prevent similar water crises from occurring again. This law will enact the most robust monitoring program for toxic PFAS chemicals in the country and establish New York as a national champion for clean water.”
Up until the bill’s passage, approximately 2,000 smaller water suppliers serving approximately 2.5 million New Yorkers did not even have to test for the existing, limited list of contaminants that larger systems were already monitoring for. In addition to closing this loophole, the new law adds 37 emerging contaminants to the list of chemicals that must now be tested for in all water systems, such as strontium, chromium-6, and many PFAS contaminants.
Joining Senator Skoufis in commemoration of the passage of this landmark bill, was Jeremy Cherson of Riverkeeper, Brahvan Ranga of For the Many, Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson, Rob Hayes of Environmental Advocates NY, and local clean water advocates.
Rob Hayes, Director of Clean Water at Environmental Advocates NY said, “Finally, New York is keeping its promise to communities poisoned by PFAS that our state will be more proactive and transparent in protecting our drinking water. After more than four years of persistent advocacy, New Yorkers will find out whether they are being exposed to “forever chemicals” that could make them sick. We thank Governor Hochul, Senator James Skoufis, and Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard Gottfried for their leadership and commitment to this issue. This is great news for every New Yorker who wants to know what’s in the water they are drinking.”
Brahvan Ranga, Political Coordinator at For the Many said, “The emerging contaminants law recently signed into law by the Governor and championed by Senator Skoufis represents an important step forward in the fight for clean water. This crucial legislation protects the right of New Yorkers to know what is in their drinking water, and has given local and state officials the information they need to ensure equitable water quality in communities across the state”.
“All New Yorkers deserve clean drinking water and the comfort of knowing their families aren’t in harm’s way,” said Senator Skoufis. “Communities have already waited far too long for this testing and I am relieved to say, the wait is over.”