Eighteen AGs Submitted Comments to EPA Urging Designation of PFAS as CERCLA Hazardous Substances

NOVEMBER 7, 2022

New York Attorney General Letitia James led a coalition of 18 attorneys general in supporting the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal to classify two types of PFAS as “hazardous substances” under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). PFAS—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as “forever chemicals”—are used widely in industrial and consumer products, but have been linked to cancer and other negative health effects. In their comments, the AGs explained that by designating the substances as hazardous substances under CERCLA, EPA can more robustly regulate the use and cleanup of the chemicals, and can also shift the cost of cleanup to the polluters, rather than taxpayers.