CONCORD, N.H. — (AP) - Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders says he would enact federal drinking water standards for a group of toxic chemicals that have caused widespread contamination in New Hampshire and other states.
New Hampshire recently set some of the nation's toughest standards for the substances collectively called PFAS, but a judge temporarily blocked enforcement after the St. Paul, Minnesota-based chemical company 3M sued.
Sanders says instead of spending millions on lawsuits, such companies should be paying to clean up contamination.
He says as president, he will create national clean water standards for PFAS and other chemicals to guarantee clean drinking water “as a human right.”
PFAS contamination has been an issue in Michigan in recent years. In December, a tentative $69.5 million settlement has been reached in ongoing litigation brought by the state of Michigan against Wolverine Worldwide for its contamination of groundwater in the townships Plainfield and Algoma, located in northern Kent County.
The townships expect work to begin in spring 2020 and it will take at least five years to extend the water supply to all affected homeowners. Areas with the highest levels of contamination will be prioritized first.
RELATED VIDEO:
MORE on 13 ON YOUR SIDE:
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
