Rep. Stansbury Applauds the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bold Leadership Tackling Forever Chemicals
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed the first-ever national and enforceable standards for deadly PFAS and PFOA chemicals in the nation’s drinking water.
“New Mexicans know that water is life and know the devastating impacts PFAS has had on our farmers, ranchers, and communities. I applaud the Biden-Harris Administration’s leadership in proposing long-needed standards to tackle these forever chemicals in our waters. This is the bold action we need to protect our communities and the environment. Last August, I was proud to join Representative Dingell and over a hundred of my colleagues to urge the EPA to designate PFAS and PFOA as ‘hazardous substances,’ which is included in today’s proposal. I was also proud to vote for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is already delivering $19 million to our state to detect, monitor, and treat harmful PFAS contamination.
“Today’s standards also hammer home the importance of integrated, real-time, and accessible water data so that our water managers can protect our families and businesses with the right tools. Ahead of the re-introduction of my bipartisan Water Data Act, I commend the Biden-Harris administration and EPA Administrator Regan for taking action on these deadly chemicals that we can build on when we unlock the power of water data for all Americans.”
BACKGROUND
A lifelong water resources professional, Rep. Stansbury has led on bipartisan water security and water quality legislation, including the Water Data Act, a bill to standardize and unlock the power of water data to address water quality, drought, and water security issues. Rep. Stansbury championed the bill’s passage in the House during the 117th Congress.