Protecting Our Nation: The Urgent Need for Effective PFAS Regulation

Under the Biden-Harris administration, notable strides have been made in addressing environmental challenges, particularly regarding the regulation of PFAS, a group of harmful chemicals. This effort has been bolstered by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which allocated over $20 billion for the detection, treatment, and reduction of PFAS levels in public drinking water. Both President Biden and Vice President Harris have promoted significant regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), setting a precedent with the first national drinking water standard for PFAS and creating stricter guidelines for their manufacturing.

The EPA’s role is crucial in regulating PFAS effectively. Upcoming regulations aimed at establishing effluent limit guidelines highlight the agency’s responsibility to protect public health while considering the essential functions these chemicals serve in U.S. manufacturing, especially concerning national defense. It is imperative that any new rules do not restrict access to PFAS where they are necessary.

With a background as a law enforcement officer in Phoenix, I understand the importance of prioritizing community safety and well-being. This focus on security extends nationally, encompassing the need for our defense agencies to have access to critical resources for safeguarding the country.

PFAS compounds are integral to various military technologies, including communication systems and weaponry utilized by armed forces. In Arizona, companies such as General Dynamics and Raytheon depend on these substances for their remarkable durability, vital in manufacturing defense-related technologies. Indeed, PFAS are essential for producing critical components like semiconductors and lithium-ion batteries, contributing significantly to Arizona’s economy, which boasts 155,000 jobs in the semiconductor sector.

The EPA must acknowledge the critical role of PFAS in national security and ensure U.S. manufacturers can utilize these compounds responsibly. The Department of Defense emphasizes that these substances are vital for mission success and military readiness. A significant reduction or elimination of PFAS access could hamper our national defense’s overall effectiveness and leave the country vulnerable to external threats.

Moreover, excessive restrictions on domestic PFAS production could necessitate increased reliance on imports, particularly from China, which currently dominates PFAS manufacturing. This geopolitical reality raises concerns about national self-sufficiency and security.

Fortunately, there are paths forward that the EPA can pursue to mitigate PFAS exposure without implementing outright bans. Encouraging the adoption of PFAS alternatives in various industries, along with strengthening emissions control protocols, could yield positive outcomes. Balancing health regulations with the necessity of PFAS in critical manufacturing is essential for protecting public health and ensuring national security.