Vermont committee reviews PFAS regulation amidst calls for broader oversight
May 20, 2025 | SENATE, Committees, Legislative , Vermont
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The Vermont Legislature's Senate session on May 20, 2025, spotlighted ongoing concerns regarding the regulation of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), with lawmakers expressing frustration over the incremental approach to legislation. A member of the committee reflected on past efforts, noting a sense of déjà vu as discussions echoed previous years' debates on PFAS regulation.
The committee member questioned why the state continues to pursue a piecemeal strategy instead of adopting a comprehensive regulatory framework for PFAS. They recalled a report requested from the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) last year, which aimed to explore broader regulatory options. The response indicated that while a more holistic approach was considered, the House opted not to expand the regulatory scope at this time.
The ANR's current proposal was based on a narrower federal definition of PFAS, which contrasts sharply with Vermont's broader definition that encompasses thousands of chemicals. This discrepancy raises concerns about the effectiveness of the proposed regulations, as the federal guidelines cover only a limited number of substances.
Lawmakers acknowledged the complexity of establishing a comprehensive regulatory scheme, noting that it could be resource-intensive. However, they emphasized the importance of aligning Vermont's regulations with those of other states, such as Maine and Minnesota, which are also grappling with similar challenges.
As the session concluded, the call for a more unified approach to PFAS regulation remains a pressing issue, with legislators urging further collaboration with the ANR and other states to develop a robust framework that addresses the widespread concerns surrounding these harmful chemicals.
The committee member questioned why the state continues to pursue a piecemeal strategy instead of adopting a comprehensive regulatory framework for PFAS. They recalled a report requested from the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) last year, which aimed to explore broader regulatory options. The response indicated that while a more holistic approach was considered, the House opted not to expand the regulatory scope at this time.
The ANR's current proposal was based on a narrower federal definition of PFAS, which contrasts sharply with Vermont's broader definition that encompasses thousands of chemicals. This discrepancy raises concerns about the effectiveness of the proposed regulations, as the federal guidelines cover only a limited number of substances.
Lawmakers acknowledged the complexity of establishing a comprehensive regulatory scheme, noting that it could be resource-intensive. However, they emphasized the importance of aligning Vermont's regulations with those of other states, such as Maine and Minnesota, which are also grappling with similar challenges.
As the session concluded, the call for a more unified approach to PFAS regulation remains a pressing issue, with legislators urging further collaboration with the ANR and other states to develop a robust framework that addresses the widespread concerns surrounding these harmful chemicals.
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