Members of Congress propose protections from toxic PFAS pollution for military members, firefighters, and communities

WASHINGTON — The Department of Defense PFAS Discharge Prevention Act introduced today in the U.S. House of Representatives would help protect military members, veterans, firefighters, and families from toxic PFAS pollution, according to the Southern Environmental Law Center. Led by Representatives Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Pat Ryan (D-NY), and Nick LaLota (R-NY), this legislation would address PFAS in stormwater runoff at military bases by requiring the Department of Defense to monitor for and clean up these toxic chemicals. Original cosponsors include Representatives Lawler (R-NY), Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Foushee (D-NC), Cohen (D-TN), Scott (D-VA), and Tlaib (D-MI). This legislation passed the House of Representatives last July as part of the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act.

“Reducing PFAS exposure is critical to protecting the health of our service members, veterans, firefighters, their families and nearby communities,” said Jean Zhuang, senior attorney at SELC. “Turning off the PFAS tap is the most cost-effective, efficient, and equitable solution to prevent harm.”

Stormwater runoff from the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam at DOD facilities is a significant source of drinking water pollution. Until now, there has been little effort to control it. As of 2021, DOD has identified 700 installations across the nation that are likely contaminated with PFAS chemicals. At least 245 facilities are polluting or threatening to contaminate drinking water sources, according to the Defense Department. Among the DOD sites with known PFAS contamination are:

• Norfolk Naval Base, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Fort Monroe, and Camp Pendleton in Virginia;  
• Griffiss Air Force Base, Hancock Field Air Force Base, Fort Drum, and Plattsburgh Air Force Base in New York;
• Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Fort Liberty, Camp Lejeune, and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina;  
• Pease Air Force Base in New Hampshire; and
• Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and Carlisle Barracks in Pennsylvania 

Science has consistently linked PFAS chemicals to various cancers, reduced immune function, birth defects, and other health harms.

The Department of Defense PFAS Discharge Prevention Act would use a small portion of existing funding to direct the DOD to regularly monitor for PFAS chemicals and implement best management practices to stop PFAS pollution from entering our water in the first place.

DOD estimates that PFAS cleanup at military bases nationwide will take decades and cost billions of dollars; in the meantime, the public remains at risk. According to Zhuang, “Congress has already made significant investments in PFAS remediation. This bill will reduce the amount of PFAS that has to be cleaned up in the future and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent cost-effectively, while protecting people’s health.”

Veterans, firefighters, and their families expressed support for the legislation in a July letter to Congress. Their letter reflects support from 15 states and the International Association of Fire Fighters.