ILTA, as Part of Larger Coalition, Files PFAS Comments with EPA

ILTA, as part of a broader coalition of business trade associations, filed comments with  EPA June 10, urging the agency to look at individual chemicals and their respective qualities, not broad classes of chemicals, as it continues its work on PFAS. “The members of the coalition have a strong interest in ensuring the safety of our companies’ employees and the communities where we operate,” the coalition wrote. The coalition highlighted several key priorities in its comments, first among them, supporting “EPA’s decision to regulate based on the characteristics of individual chemicals, not as a single class, and develop corresponding Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) or treatment techniques where suitable.”

The coalition also said it was open to considering the treatment-focused regulatory approach EPA has suggested in its Federal Register notice, but it suggested that EPA provide clear data and methodology indicating its effectiveness. It also supports “prudent action” by EPA using existing statutory authorities to evaluate and establish, as appropriate, a national standard for specific PFAS for which the Safe Drinking Water Act criteria are supported by sound science, suggests EPA identify and consider how economically achievable any required limitations would be, and promote consideration of broader societal costs and interests, such as national and community security and safety issues that protect lives and property. The coalition, led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, includes airline, chemical and energy groups among others.