Bill > SB454

This bill establishes a PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) Mitigation Program to address the environmental and health risks posed by these chemicals in California's water systems. The bill creates a PFAS Mitigation Fund in the State Treasury, which will be used to help water suppliers and sewer system providers address PFAS contamination. The State Water Resources Control Board is authorized to seek and deposit non-state, federal, and private funds into the account, and can provide grants, loans, or technical assistance to help water providers cover costs associated with treating drinking water, recycled water, and wastewater to meet PFAS contaminant standards. To be eligible for funding, water suppliers must demonstrate a clear purpose for how the funds will provide public benefits related to safe drinking water, recycled water, stormwater, or treated wastewater. The bill emphasizes environmental justice, recognizing that PFAS contamination disproportionately affects certain communities and can lead to serious health risks like cancer and immune system disorders. The legislation aims to help communities invest in infrastructure to treat and remove PFAS, with the state board required to ensure equitable funding distribution across different regions of California. The program will become operative upon legislative appropriation, and the state board must develop guidelines for implementing the program, including specific funding criteria and opportunities for public input.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB454