Robert Besser
18 Mar 2023, 05:56 GMT+10
WASHINGTON D.C.: The US Environmental Protection Agency has announced a proposal for the first-ever national drinking water standard covering six substances, which are cancer-causing chemicals.
The announcement is the first time since 1996 that drinking water standards have been proposed for a new chemical under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
The proposal is part of the EPA's strategy to address made-made "forever chemicals" in water, air and food, which is suspected in causing tens of thousands of cases of ill health.
"The EPA's proposal to establish a national standard. in drinking water is informed by the best available science, and would help provide states with the guidance they need to make decisions that best protect their communities," said EPA Administrator Michael Regan, as quoted by Reuters.
Under the new standard, public water systems must monitor for six chemicals, inform the public if levels exceed proposed standards in drinking water, and take action to reduce levels of specified chemicals.
These chemicals are used in products ranging from paper to pans to make them stain-resistant, water-repellent and grease-proof. They are also used in industrial processes and discharged into waterways.
Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Biden administration has allocated $10 billion to help communities reduce these and other toxic chemicals.
Environmental groups welcomed the new standards, but stressed that retailers and chemical companies are responsible for making a difference.
Meanwhile, West Virginia Republican Senator Shelley Moore Capito, who has for years pressed the EPA to address the chemicals, said, "I am looking forward to hearing from those who will be impacted by this announcement, including local water systems and ratepayers across the country, on how we can provide assistance for implementation," according to Reuters.
Get a daily dose of Los Angeles Herald news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Los Angeles Herald.
More InformationJAKARTA, Indonesia: Officials from Indonesia's Aceh province said that more than 180 Rohingya Muslims landed this week by boat, in ...
HONG KONG: Hong Kong's first authorized protest took place since the end of COVID-19 restrictions and under new strict security ...
MOSCOW, Russia: A new campaign has begun across Russia to attract badly needed recruits to replenish its troop numbers for ...
WASHINGTON D.C.: US House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy has said that lawmakers will move forward on legislation aimed at ...
CROWNPOINT, New Mexico: Navajo Technical University, located on the largest Native American reservation in the US, has become the first ...
WEST READING, Pennsylvania: An explosion occurred at a chocolate factory in Pennsylvania, killing seven people and seeing ten staff members ...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: Bloomberg News has reported that New Jersey-based Valley National Bancorp is bidding to purchase Silicon ...
SAN FRANCISCO, California: A new round of extreme winter weather that hit California, also drifted into neighboring Southwest states, with ...
BENTON, Arkansas: Reuters reported that due to a reduction or elimination in evening and weekend shifts, Walmart will lay off ...
Washington [US], March 30 (ANI): For some generations, it's a 'cult' show! But does the present generation feel the same ...
Washington [US], March 30 (ANI): Brad Pitt is officially saying adieu to his Los Angeles home. Pitt has found a ...
Malik Monk scored 19 points off the bench and the Sacramento Kings ended the longest playoff drought in NBA history ...