Rep. Davis’ PFAS Polluter Liability Act passes NC House, heads to Senate

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Two bills filed by a state representative regulating the use of PFAS chemicals are now headed to the North Carolina Senate after passing in the House.

House Bill 569 titled the PFAS Pollution and Polluter Liability Act would hold companies that make PFAS chemicals financially responsible if they exceed emission limits established by the EPA and contaminate waterways used by public utilities. 

Pollution from Chemours and other PFAS dumpers along the Cape Fear River have forced public utilities to spend millions to filter the forever chemical out of drinking water—which in turn led to higher rates for customers. The bill would hold polluters responsible for that cost. 

This is the third year in a row a version of the bill has been filed by Rep. Ted Davis (R) of New Hanover County. The bill passed the House 104-3 on Thursday. 

Another bill filed by Davis—HB 570—looks to reduce the amount of PFAS found in firefighting foam. Recent studies show PFAS exposure could be contributing to higher levels of cancer among firefighters. 

HB 570 passed the house unanimously.

Davis says he’s already reached out to Sen. Michael Lee (R) of New Hanover County and Sen. Bill Rabon (R) of Brunswick County, and is calling on other senators to support both bills. 

“I know there’s some legislation in the Senate addressing more study, we don’t need to study anymore. We need to protect the people that are being harmed,” Davis said. “So I just hope that the senators from all across the state will realize not only is this an important issue locally, but it could very well affect them as well.” 

HB 569 and HB 570 are currently waiting in the Committee on Rules and Operations of the Senate before they are brought up for a vote.