An act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law —
2023-06-06
· Calendar #608
The New York State Senate passed legislation to combat PFAS contamination by requiring identification of point source discharges of the persistent chemicals known as "forever chemicals." Senate Print 227B, sponsored by Sen. May, passed on a 62-0 roll call vote. Sen. May explained that PFAS—found in food packaging, clothing, and household products—have contaminated drinking water supplies, fish, and marine life, and pose serious health risks including effects on hormonal activity, immune systems, fertility, child development, and increased cancer risk. The U.S. EPA has determined there is no safe level of PFAS in the environment. The bill represents the most comprehensive state action to identify where PFAS enter waterways, enabling municipalities and state regulators to take swift action. Sen. Harckham commended the measure and stressed the importance of holding polluters responsible for testing, monitoring, and remediation at the source rather than passing costs to ratepayers and taxpayers. The legislation takes effect one year after becoming law.
PASSED
Ayes: 62
· Nays: N/A
Debate Summary
Sen. May explained that PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances), known as "forever chemicals," are persistent pollutants found in food packaging, clothing, and household products that have contaminated drinking water supplies, fish, marine life, and air. She noted that PFAS exposure affects human hormonal activity, immune systems, fertility, child development, and increases cancer risk, with the EPA determining no safe level exists in the environment. The bill aims to identify point source discharges of PFAS so municipalities and state regulators can take swift action. Sen. Harckham commended the bill and emphasized the need to hold polluters responsible for testing, monitoring, and remediation at the source rather than passing costs to ratepayers and taxpayers.