Gov. Mike Dunleavy has vetoed a measure that would have banned foams for fighting fires that contain toxic PFAS compounds, referred to as “forever chemicals” which have been found to pollute drinking water throughout Alaska.
The bill passed both the State House and Senate by a huge margin and the governor then did not speak up during the weekend. The bill’s co-sponsor was Democratic senator Jesse Kiehl of Juneau, said that the governor’s veto was an unexpected shock.
“span style=”font-weight 400 ;”>”I’m not sure of which stage of my grief I’m currently in precisely. But I’m certainly not done with angry,” Kiehl said.
In his vetoed letter in which he vetoed the governor. Dunleavy expressed concerns over the lack of alternatives to foams that are used to stop fires caused by fuel frequently at airports.
In Alaska, firefighting foams are believed to be the singlest biggest source of PFAS contamination, which has been linked to higher risks of various cancers and other health problems.
The PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” since they do not break down, which could result in ongoing contamination of soil and water.
This year in the year, earlier this year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed new national standards to reduce PFAS levels present in water sources. Alaska is not regulated for PFAS however, if federal standards are implemented then the state is responsible for the cleaning of drinking water that is contaminated with PFAS.
Kiehl stated that the bill was designed to stop further pollution before of the complicated and costly job of removing the contaminants from the water.
” style=”font-weight 400 ;”>”Without state legislation The message of the Dunleavy Administration is, only the federal government can be relied to take the contaminants out of Alaskans drinking tap water.” Kiehl said. “I do not believe that’s the case.”
Kiehl stated that the Governor’s office did not respond to his request to meet during the time before the vote to veto.
Gov. Dunleavy hasn’t yet responded to inquiries for comments.
Adam Ortega is a representative of Alaska Community Action on Toxics, an Anchorage-based organization which has been advocating for a the statewide PFAS regulation for over 10 years.
He noted that the near-unanimous adoption for the legislation earlier in the year was an important moment in PFAS regulations at a state-level. He also said that the veto was very disappointing.
The span style=”font-weight 400 ;”>”It’s extremely counterintuitive,” Ortega said. “Dunleavy seems to not pay attention to his constituents which is a bit disappointing.”
According to Ortega the bill’s narrow coverage of the bill that focuses mainly on foam used to fight fires, is far short of the requirements to protect against significant health effects.
Its style=”font-weight 400 ;”>”It’s the minimum that’s needed. It’s been reduced numerous time,” Ortega said. “This bill is at the lowest point of the barrel. However, we’re trying to pass it.
Kiehl has suggested a variety of restrictions on PFAS-related chemicals throughout his term in office as well as more extensive bills to control PFAS in drinking water that eventually failed.
The only way for his legislation to pass is if lawmakers approve override the veto by 40 votes in the 60-member Legislature. Vetoes are not often removed however Kiehl said he’d like to do so during next year’s session of the legislature.
