©2025 League of Conservation Voters
Issues
Representative Chris Pappas (D-NH) sponsored an amendment to H.R. 535, the PFAS Action Act of 2019, which would close the loophole in the Clean Water Act that currently allows companies to discharge unlimited amounts of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) into waterways. Also called “forever chemicals” in recognition of their persistence in the environment and our bodies, PFAS are used in many consumer products and industrial applications but have been linked to numerous health problems like certain cancers, thyroid disease, neurological development issues, and more. The Pappas amendment would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to review ongoing PFAS discharges and establish clear treatment limits in order to protect the health of our families and environment. Additionally, it would create a grant program authorized at $100 million annually to help municipal sewage treatment plants control PFAS discharges. On January 10, the House approved the Pappas amendment by a vote of 242-168 (House roll call vote 11). YES IS THE PRO-ENVIRONMENT VOTE. The House passed H.R. 535, with the Pappas amendment, on January 10, but the Senate took no action on this legislation.
©2025 League of Conservation Voters