Utah Valley Times

Representative John Curtis, alongside Representative Marie Gluesenkamp-Perez, has introduced the Water Systems PFAS Liability Protection Act, aiming to protect Utahns from bearing the financial burden of PFAS cleanup costs. Curtis emphasized the importance of clean water, stating, “This bill prevents the burden of industrial irresponsibility to fall on the shoulders of Utah's families and ratepayers." Gluesenkamp Perez highlighted the harmful effects of PFAS chemicals on health and children's development, emphasizing the need to prevent unintended consequences on water utilities and ratepayers.

Gene Shawcroft, General Manager of the Central Utah Water Conservancy District, expressed gratitude for Curtis's leadership in protecting ratepayers, stating, "The costs of clean up should be borne by the polluters who introduced PFAS substances into our water supplies. The victims should not have to pay for the contamination caused by others."

The Water Coalition Against PFAS commended Reps. Curtis and Gluesenkamp Perez for introducing the legislation, recognizing the financial strain on water and wastewater systems to address PFAS. The coalition highlighted the importance of holding PFAS manufacturers accountable for environmental remediation costs to ensure resources can be focused on providing safe, clean water.

The bill comes in response to the EPA's plans to designate PFAS substances as hazardous under CERCLA, potentially putting water utilities at risk of cleanup liability. While the EPA has announced an enforcement discretion policy, concerns remain about protecting ratepayers from legal defense costs and cleanup liability for PFAS.