H.R. 1267 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned, Feb 12, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryWater systems get PFAS liability shield
PFAS are chemicals used in many industrial and consumer products that can contaminate water supplies. This bill would exempt certain water management organizations—like public water systems, treatment plants, and municipalities—from being sued under federal environmental law for releases of PFAS, as long as they're handling these chemicals legally and following proper procedures. However, the exemption wouldn't apply if an organization acted with gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
How it affects you
If you rely on a public water system or municipality for water, this bill could affect them directly. It would reduce the financial risk these water providers face for PFAS contamination, which could influence how they operate and manage costs. However, the exemption wouldn't protect them if they act recklessly or on purpose.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Feb 12, 2025)
Water Systems PFAS Liability Protection Act
This bill exempts specified water management entities from liability under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) for releases of certain perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS. Specifically, the entities covered under the bill are public water systems, publicly or privately owned or operated treatment works, municipalities with a stormwater discharge permit, political subdivisions or special districts of a state that act as a wholesale water agency, and contractors performing the management or disposal activities for such entities.
Under the bill, the exemption only applies if a specified entity transports, treats, disposes of, or arranges for the transport, treatment or disposal of PFAS consistent with applicable laws and during and following the conveyance or treatment of water under federal or state law, such as through the management or disposal of biosolids consistent with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.
Liability for damages or costs associated with the release of certain PFAS must not be precluded if an entity acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 1267
A BILL
Water Systems PFAS Liability Protection Act
Sponsor: Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-3) · Introduced Feb 12, 2025 · Environmental Protection · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Feb 12, 2025: “Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.”