Summary as Introduced
Creates the PFAS Wastewater Citizen Protection Act. Creates the PFAS Wastewater Citizen Protection Committee for specific purposes. Provides that the Committee shall submit a PFAS Action Plan to the Governor's Office, the General Assembly, and the Environmental Protection Agency no later than one year after the effective date of the Act. Provides that the Committee shall continue to periodically meet and shall annually update the PFAS Action Plan and submit annual reports with certain requirements. Provides for membership of the Committee. Provides that the Prairie Research Institute's Illinois Sustainable Technology Center shall provide technical assistance to the Committee. Makes findings and declares policy. Defines terms. Provides that the Act is repealed on December 31, 2044. Effective immediately.
Staff Analysis
House Bill 2955 seeks to establish the PFAS Wastewater Citizen Protection Act, aiming to address the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater systems.
Key Provisions of HB 2955:
Creation of the PFAS Wastewater Citizen Protection Committee
The bill proposes forming a dedicated committee tasked with evaluating and mitigating PFAS contamination in wastewater. The make-up of the committee would be as follows:
- Director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency or their designee (serving as chair).
- One representative from a statewide association representing municipal wastewater agencies.
- One representative from a statewide environmental advocacy organization.
- One representative from a statewide association representing municipal governments.
- One representative from a statewide labor organization.
- One representative from a public health advocacy group.
- One scientist or academic with expertise in PFAS or environmental toxicology, appointed by the Governor.
- Two members of the public with a demonstrated interest in environmental protection, appointed by the Governor.
- One member of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker.
- One member of the Senate, appointed by the Senate President.
Development of a PFAS Action Plan
- The committee is responsible for formulating a comprehensive action plan to address PFAS-related challenges, which will be submitted to the Governor’s Office, the General Assembly, and relevant stakeholders.
Impact on Counties:
For counties in Illinois, the implementation of HB 2955 could have several implications:
- Counties operating wastewater treatment facilities may need to adhere to new standards and guidelines established by the PFAS Action Plan, necessitating updates to current practices and infrastructure.
- Compliance with potential new regulations may require financial investments in monitoring equipment, treatment technologies, and staff training to effectively manage PFAS contamination.
- By addressing PFAS contamination, counties can contribute to improved public health outcomes and environmental quality, aligning with broader community health objectives.
HB 2955 proposes a proactive approach to managing PFAS contamination in wastewater systems, with counties playing a crucial role in the successful implementation and adherence to the proposed measures.