Vermont Advocacy Groups File Brief Contesting Industry Opposition to Regulating Toxic PFOA

Montpelier, VT – Community Action Works (TAC), Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) and the Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) filed a brief in a lawsuit brought by Saint-Gobain challenging the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) regulation of perfluorooctanic Acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Saint-Gobain, the company identified by ANR as responsible for the release of PFOA and PFOS that has contaminated water supplies and soil in Bennington, alleges in their lawsuit that there is not scientific support for the PFOA and PFOS limits set for drinking water and groundwater by ANR in its rule.

“The scientific community has known for many years the dangers of PFOA and PFOS, including that these substances have a probable link to cancer,” said Jon Groveman, Policy and Water Program Director for the Vermont Natural Resources Council. “The limits for these toxic substances by ANR are prudent steps to protect public health and the environment.”

Lauren Hierl, Executive Director for Vermont Conservation Voters added, “Vermont families should not be drinking water contaminated with toxic cancer-causing chemicals like PFOA and PFOS. The ANR standard for PFOA and PFOS is based on strong scientific evidence, and is appropriately protective of Vermonters’ health and our environment.”

“The drinking water crisis in North Bennington raised alarm bells for residents across Vermont concerned about the health and safety of their families,” noted Shaina Kasper, Vermont Director for Community Action Works. “The ANR standard for PFOA and PFOS is based on the scientific literature, and it will give the state the tools it needs to protect those most vulnerable.”

The brief was filed by the Vermont Law School Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic on behalf of Community Action Works, Vermont Conservation Voters, and the Vermont Natural Resources Council.