Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with a coalition of 12 states, has submitted a comment letter in support of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's proposed rule to list nine PFAS compounds as hazardous constituents. In the letter, the attorneys general express strong support for the rule and urge the EPA to consider listing all PFAS compounds as hazardous wastes in the future.

"We must continue to take action to comprehensively address the pervasive threat posed by PFAS," Attorney General Bonta emphasized. "The EPA’s proposed rule is a crucial step that acknowledges the urgency of mitigating the risks associated with these toxic substances. We are proud to work alongside our federal partners to combat PFAS pollution and urge them to consider listing PFAS as a class and as hazardous wastes in the future to better protect public health and the environment."

PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," are widely used in various consumer products and firefighting foams. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and have been linked to adverse health impacts, including various types of cancer, infertility, developmental defects, and impacts on the immune system.

The EPA's proposed rule aims to add nine PFAS compounds to the RCRA list of hazardous constituents, enabling regulatory action to address releases of these chemicals at Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities. The rule would also require permits to include corrective actions for all releases of listed PFAS from solid waste management units at these facilities.

Attorney General Bonta led a coalition of attorneys general from Arizona, Connecticut, Colorado, Illinois, New Mexico, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia in submitting the comment letter in support of the EPA's proposed rule.

The full text of the comment letter can be accessed for further details and information.