To require the Secretary of Defense to submit a strategy to accelerate the response efforts of the Department of Defense with respect to releases of perfluoroalkyl substances or polyfluoroalkyl substances from the activities of the Department.
Summary
This bill mandates the Secretary of Defense to develop and submit a strategy to Congress for accelerating the Department of Defense's response to releases of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from its activities. It requires the strategy to align with CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act). The bill also requires the creation of a public online dashboard providing information on the Department's actions related to PFAS releases.
Expected Effects
The bill will lead to increased transparency and accountability regarding the Department of Defense's efforts to address PFAS contamination. It will also likely result in a more structured and prioritized approach to cleaning up contaminated sites. The public dashboard will provide communities with information on the status of remediation efforts and funding allocation.
Potential Benefits
- Improved public health due to faster remediation of PFAS contamination.
- Increased transparency and public access to information regarding cleanup efforts.
- Prioritization of cleanup efforts based on risk to human health and the environment.
- Potential for development and deployment of new remediation technologies.
- Enhanced community engagement through designated points of contact.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased costs to the Department of Defense, and therefore taxpayers.
- The 180-day deadline for the strategy and one-year deadline for the dashboard may be challenging to meet.
- The effectiveness of the strategy will depend on the resources allocated and the commitment of the Department of Defense.
- The bill does not address the underlying causes of PFAS contamination, only the remediation efforts.
- Potential delays in other Department of Defense projects due to resource allocation for PFAS remediation.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to protect public health and the environment. Congress has the power to legislate for the common defense and to oversee the activities of the Department of Defense, as outlined in Article I, Section 8. The requirement for a public dashboard promotes transparency and accountability, aligning with principles of open government.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).