IntheU.S.Houseof Representatives, a bipartisan effort spearheaded by Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI 1, Watersmeet) and Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI 7, Lansing) has resulted in the introduction of the DoD PFAS Cleanup Transparency Act. This proposed legislation aims to mandate the Secretary of Defense to consistently release up-to-date information regarding the progress of PFAS-contaminated site cleanups to the public.

“We’ve made major progress on PFAS remediation over the past several years, and this legislation is an important avenue to ensure transparency so that the public is kept aware of the progress being made,” Bergman said.

According to the Center for Disease Control, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a category of chemicals mostly used in the production of fluoropolymer coatings and various products designed to withstand heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. Among the various PFAS compounds, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) have garnered significant concern due to their enduring environmental presence, ability to migrate through soil and contaminate water sources, and their propensity to accumulate in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

As PFAS continue to persist without breaking down in the environment, they pose a substantial risk by infiltrating soil and potentially compromising the safety of drinking water supplies. Furthermore, their bioaccumulative nature means that these chemicals can accumulate in fish and wildlife. Thus, PFAS have been detected in rivers, lakes, and a wide array of land and aquatic species, making their environmental impact a subject of growing concern.

PFAS were originally found on decommissioned military bases in Kinross and KI Sawyer. Since then, the pollutant has spread to other bodies of water.