Subcommittee debate blocks EPA sewage-sludge PFAS risk assessment; opposing views surface in recorded votes

A contentious portion of the markup focused on a rider that would block the Environmental Protection Agency from finalizing a draft risk assessment on PFAS contamination in sewage sludge (biosolids). Representative Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) offered an amendment to strike the rider and allow EPA’s work to continue; the committee ultimately rejected that amendment.

Background: PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” can persist in soil and water and have been linked to adverse health outcomes. Some states and farmers have found PFAS in agricultural land after biosolids applications, and community advocates have urged federal risk assessments and guidance.

Arguments on both sides: Pingree and other Democrats described documented cases of farms forced to stop operations after high PFAS readings in soil and elevated blood levels among farm families. They urged that EPA complete the risk assessment so states and producers have scientific guidance. Chairman Simpson and other Republicans countered that the draft risk assessment released at the end of the prior administration was rushed, omitted a risk-management analysis, and contained methodological flaws; they argued EPA should have flexibility to rework or pause that assessment.

Committee action and outcome: Pingree’s amendment to strike the prohibition failed in a recorded vote (ayes 28, noes 31). Supporters of the rider said the provision targeted a specific, flawed assessment and did not stop other PFAS actions by the agency.

What to watch: Stakeholders including state environmental agencies, agricultural producers, and public-health researchers will monitor whether EPA resumes, revises, or abandons that particular sludge risk assessment and how states respond with their own testing and guidance.