New bill to address “forever chemical” filling CA’s water supply

(FOX40.COM) — The California Legislature unanimously approved a bill to address PFAS pollution and California’s water supply on Wednesday, which was introduced by Senator Jerry McNerney.

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PFAs are chemicals containing substances also known as “forever chemicals,” as they linger in the environment for long periods of time. McNerney stated that the new bill will establish a state fund called the PFAS Mitigation Fund to provide financial support to local agencies and cities for cleaning toxic PFAS from California’s water.

McNerney released a report that showed how PFAs have been found in waterways serving at least 25.4 million Californians. Other research has linked to increased risks of prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers, decreased fertility in pregnant women, and developmental effects or delays in children.

A 2023 report by the U.S. Geological Survey displayed that nearly half of the tap water in the U.S. is contaminated with forever chemicals, according to McNerney.

“California has banned PFAS in consumer products ranging from food packaging and cosmetics to children’s cribs and playpens,” McNerney said. “But PFAS has been used in thousands of products during the past eight decades, so forever chemicals have contaminated a substantial portion of our water.”

After passing the assembly on Monday, the bill received unanimous approval in the senate on Tuesday. McNerney said that his bill now awaits Governor Gavin Newsom’s approval.

“Cal Cities urges the Governor to sign SB 454. This critical legislation would support local efforts to keep our water supply safe from forever chemicals, protect public health, and help keep our residents’ water bills affordable,” the League of California Cities Executive Director and CEO, Carolyn Coleman, said.

The bill is co-sponsored by the League of California Cities and the Association of California Water Agencies.