Today the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) announced a statewide strategy to prevent, manage, and clean up PFAS contamination. The Blueprint document provides an important starting point for ongoing PFAS discussions in Minnesota.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of chemicals often used for their non-stick and degreasing properties. PFAS chemicals don’t break down in our bodies or in the environment and have been linked to several health concerns including, low birth weights, immune system impairments, decreased fertility, and increased risk of some cancers.
“Conservation Minnesota applauds the MPCA and Commissioner Laura Bishop in the development and release of the PFAS Blueprint. Minnesotans expect state government to help protect those we care about from toxic chemicals, and we know too well what PFAS contamination can do to the health of our families and communities across the state” said Paul Austin, Executive Director of Conservation Minnesota. “The PFAS Blueprint utilizes the expertise of multiple agencies to lay out comprehensive strategies needed to stop PFAS from entering our bodies and our environment and to help clean up known areas of PFAS contamination. During the 2021 legislative session, state legislators can use the recommendations in the Blueprint to take meaningful action today—there are numerous bills with bipartisan support that can start building upon the foundation the Blueprint lays out. Using our shared values of stewardship and innovation, Minnesota policy makers can use the blueprint to make sure statewide PFAS problems are not kicked down the road to the next generation.”
Conservation Minnesota has a history of working on PFAS issues and will continue to do so into the 2021 legislative session and beyond.