Bill Overview
Title: PFAS Intergovernmental Coordination Act
Description: This bill directs the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to establish a working group to address contamination by perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS. These substances are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain the compounds, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing. Specifically, the working group shall facilitate more effective cooperation, coordination, and mutual accountability among the federal government and state, local, and tribal governments on a holistic response to PFAS contamination in communities across the United States. The working group shall terminate two years after its establishment. The OMB must report to Congress, describing any guidelines created in performing its duties and making a recommendation with respect to extending the working group's authorization.
Sponsors: Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]
Target Audience
Population: People exposed to PFAS contamination
Estimated Size: 200000000
- PFAS are used in a wide range of consumer products, which means potentially anyone who uses these products could be affected.
- There have been numerous cases of PFAS contamination in water supplies, affecting residents surrounding those areas.
- Professionals in industries that manufacture or use PFAS in their industrial processes will be affected by any new regulations or guidelines developed.
- This legislation involves cooperation between various governmental entities, suggesting a likely broader focus on communities rather than isolated cases.
- Public awareness and health concerns about PFAS contamination have been growing.
Reasoning
- The distribution of individuals in the simulated interviews considers various levels of exposure to PFAS, which ranges from individuals directly living near contaminated water systems to those who may encounter PFAS in everyday products.
- The budget constraint suggests the program might prioritize higher-impact areas initially, which might include localities with known significant contamination rather than widespread distribution.
- Diverse perspectives include people in roles susceptible to such contaminants, including industrial workers, households in contaminated zones, and regular consumers, resulting in varied levels of impact.
- The policy's initial term is short, so long-term effects will depend on whether the group is extended and the effectiveness of its collaborations and guidelines.
Simulated Interviews
Wastewater treatment operator (Michigan)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've seen these chemicals affecting our community for a while; tighter regulations are overdue.
- I'm hopeful the task force can pressure for stricter clean-up standards.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Chemical plant technician (New Jersey)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's hard not to be worried, given my line of work.
- I'm concerned this could affect job stability if regulations tighten too much.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Environmental health advocate (California)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A coordinated federal response has been missing for too long.
- This is an opportunity to address not just PFAS but also set a precedent for similar chemicals.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Firefighter (Texas)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We've been exposed without much knowledge of the risks.
- If coordination improves, it might even prevent other widespread exposures.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Elementary school teacher (Ohio)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hoping this leads to identifying major sources of contamination near our town.
- It would be better for all the kids if there's more transparency and action.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
Retail employee (Florida)
Age: 34 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might lead to better labeling on products, which is good.
- It's frustrating that my health might be affected by something I had no control over.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Retired military veteran (New York)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Veterans have been fighting for acknowledgment on health impacts from our services.
- This intergovernmental work might make it easier to collect evidence and support.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
College student (Colorado)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Educational spaces will benefit from better federalization on these matters.
- Would love to see more efforts to remove PFAS from everyday goods.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Construction worker (Pennsylvania)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Better coordination on this is a step in the right direction, but comes late.
- I hope the recommendations include safer handling practices at job sites.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Single parent (Mississippi)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a parent, I'm concerned about the lack of action on PFAS.
- If this task force can create real change, I'll appreciate it having started.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 2 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 2: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The temporary nature of the working group limits long-term budget commitments.
- Coordination among multiple levels of government could streamline future PFAS mitigation efforts.
- Potential public health benefits from reduced PFAS exposure might offset some initial costs.