Bill > S3353

This bill establishes a comprehensive grant program to help state, territorial, and tribal governments address PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination in agricultural settings. The bill defines PFAS as a specific class of chemical compounds known for their persistent environmental and potential health risks, and creates a grant program administered by the Secretary of Agriculture to support farmers and agricultural communities impacted by PFAS contamination. Eligible governments can use these grants for a wide range of purposes, including monitoring health complications, compensating farmers for contaminated land or products, investing in new agricultural equipment and infrastructure, providing financial assistance to affected farmers, conducting research on PFAS impacts and remediation strategies, developing educational programs, and supporting long-term monitoring and data collection. The bill prioritizes direct assistance to producers experiencing financial losses due to PFAS contamination and requires annual reporting on grant usage. Additionally, the bill establishes a task force within the Department of Agriculture to provide advice on PFAS contamination and technical assistance to eligible governments. The legislation authorizes $500 million in appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to fund these efforts, with a requirement that at least 30% of funding each year go to smaller jurisdictions with populations under 3 million.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3353/all-info