The Environmental Working Group held a press conference with Michigan Congresswoman Debbie Dingell on Tuesday to discuss what action they hope to see from an incoming Biden administration on PFAs.
President-Elect Joe Biden’s website includes as part of his environmental platform a plan to designate PFAs as a hazardous substance.
PFAs, or perfluoroalkyl substances, are a family of chemicals found across the state and linked to health problems including cancer.
Melanie Benesh is with the Environmental Working Group. She said increased awareness around the issue has pressured the Biden campaign to take a stance on PFAs.
“I think this is the first time that I’m aware of that a presidential candidate has committed to do some very specific things on PFAs,” she said.
Congresswoman Debbie Dingell urged listeners to keep the pressure on the future Biden administration to follow through on its promise.
Tony Spaniola owns a home in Oscoda, which has been impacted by PFAs leaking from the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base. He listened to the conference and said designating PFAs as a hazardous substance could help push the Department of Defense to engage in cleaning up the region.
“It’d make a big difference because the Department of Defense continues to use the lack of hazardous substance designation as an excuse,” he said. “Is it going to solve our problem over night? Probably not. But it’s another step in the process.”
Spaniola said he’s hopeful a future Biden administration will follow through on its plan.
“We’re just going to continue to push with our congressional allies, with our community allies from across Michigan and around the country to keep the spotlight on this and keep the pressure on,” he said.
Spaniola said he is trying to get an audience with the President-Elect so he can discuss the issue.