Several bills relating to PFAS making way through NC General Assembly

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — In Raleigh, several bills about PFAS, or forever chemicals, are making their way through the General Assembly.

House Bill 569 is sponsored by Representatives Ted Davis and Frank Iler.

The bill would hold PFAS polluters, like Chemours, financially liable for cleanup costs.

It passed the House earlier this month and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Rules and Operations after passing a “first reading” in that chamber.

Senate Majority Leader Michael Lee also introduced a bill relating to PFAS this year.

It’s something Lee said has been important to him for a long time.

“I’ve introduced a water safety act every term, every term that I’ve served, every two years that I’ve been in the General Assembly,” Lee said. “The most recent Water Safety Act that I’ve introduced has got some really good, strong support. We’re still working on it.”

Lee’s bill, SB 666, has passed its first reading in the Senate and is in the same committee as House Bill 569.

And about a dozen people took part in a protest against PFAS polluters.

It was held on Friday afternoon as Senator Lee attended the Wilmington Chamber’s Annual Elected Officials Appreciation BBQ.

People held signs and yelled, “Whose Water? Our Water, as they stood along the Wilmington Riverwalk next to the Chamber of Commerce.