Markey Statement on Toxic Chemicals in Drinking Water EPA Announcement

Feb 2, 2011:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee released the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement it will develop regulations for perchlorate and other toxic chemicals in drinking water. Rep. Markey has been a longtime champion of eliminating environmental exposure to toxic chemicals such as bisphenol-A (BPA) and triclosan and last week re-introduced legislation to prohibit the use of BPA in all food and beverage containers. “Today’s announcement from Administrator Jackson is a tall drink of clean, safe water and I commend the EPA for taking the aggressive action necessary required by science to put in place the first ever national standard for perchlorate and for developing a strategy to efficiently deal with other water contaminants linked to the development of cancer. It doesn't take rocket science to keep rocket fuel out of our drinking water supply - it just takes sound science, and I commend the Administrator for taking this step.” Last year, along with Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), Rep. Markey authored the bipartisan Assistance, Quality, and Affordability Act (AQUA) which would have reauthorized the Safe Drinking Water Act State Revolving Fund to ensure that public water systems deliver safe, affordable drinking water to the American people. Unfortunately, Senate Republicans blocked action on this important bill.