BOSTON – Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) announced that the Senate version of the Fiscal Year 2019 supplemental state budget included funding to address perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl “PFAS” contaminants in public water sources.
The bill provides $20 million for the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust to support drinking water programs including no-interest loans to remediate PFAS contamination. The legislation also supports testing for potential PFAS contamination of water supplies by funding $8.4 million for grants to support treatment of affected drinking water systems.
“The presence of PFAS within our public water systems is deeply concerning given that there are significant health impacts associated with being exposed to these toxic substances,” said Senator Moore. “As more communities begin to identify the presence of PFAS within local water supplies, it’s important that resources are available to reduce exposure and promote public health and safety.”
Senator Moore has also filed legislation that would prohibit the manufacture, sale and use of food packaging in the Commonwealth to which PFAS have been intentionally added. The bill, S.1315, is currently pending before the Joint Committee on Public Health.
The supplemental budget bill will now move forward to a Conference Committee comprised of three members from the Senate and three members from the House of Representatives to resolve differences between versions of the bill passed by each Chamber. To continue tracking the bill, S.2378, visit the Legislature’s website by clicking below.