Bill > H0286

This bill requires the Secretary of Natural Resources to update Vermont's drinking water regulations to establish strict standards for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are synthetic chemicals used in various industrial and consumer products. The bill mandates that by July 1, 2026, the Department of Environmental Conservation must create new water supply rules setting a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of zero parts per trillion for six specific PFAS chemicals: perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, perfluorohexane sulfonic acid, perfluorononanoic acid, perfluoroheptanoic acid, and perfluorodecanoic acid. Additionally, the bill requires that for all other testable PFAS chemicals, the maximum total concentration cannot exceed 20 parts per trillion. The new regulations aim to protect public health by dramatically reducing potential exposure to these "forever chemicals" known for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving state agencies time to develop and implement the new drinking water standards.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.286