Paul Tonko: “This amendment explicitly includes GenX chemicals in the definition of PFAS covered by the legislation. I want to be…”

“This amendment explicitly includes GenX chemicals in the definition of PFAS covered by the legislation. I want to be clear that GenX are PFAS chemicals and are already covered by this provision, regardless of whether this amendment is adopted. I am happy to support, however, the amendment because we absolutely mean for this funding to be available to remove GenX from drinking water. But no one should interpret this amendment as implying that GenX are not already covered within the definition of PFAS. I also want to mention one important thing about GenX. We have heard a lot today about how PFOA and PFAS are dangerous, but that newer PFAS might be safer. I want to make certain that everyone understands, GenX is one of those supposedly safer alternatives. It is a set of short- chain PFAS that were developed to replace PFOA. GenX is a great example of why we need the moratorium on new PFAS included in this bill, because if EPA had the needed science in hand when GenX was introduced, communities in North Carolina, and nationwide, might never have been impacted. That is what we are trying to accomplish with this bill. We want to help the communities that have been impacted and head off future harmful pollution. I thank the gentlemen for their amendment, and I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and this bill. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.”