For our subscribers who were worried that there would be a shortage of federal research on PFAS—fear not! Because on May 17, 2022, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology approved the amended H.R. 7289, which would appropriate $4 million to commission the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (“National Academies”) to conduct several studies regarding PFAS.

• First, the National Academies would perform a two-phase research assessment on PFAS exposure and toxicity. The first phase of this study would evaluate human exposure estimation by reviewing life-cycle information on the manufacture, use, and disposal of PFAS-containing products and identify sources of potential exposure for the public. The second phase of this study would review animal and human toxicity information on environmentally relevant PFAS chemicals identified in the first phase and then develop a hazard assessment with respect to those identified PFAS.

• Second, the National Academies would conduct a study regarding the research and development needed to understand the extent and implications of environmental contamination by PFAS, how to manage and treat the contamination, and development of safe alternatives to PFAS chemicals.

If H.R. 7289 becomes law, phase one of the first study would be delivered 270 days following the bill’s passage, while the other two studies would follow in 540 days. We’ll be watching closely to see how this program develops and how the National Academies will tackle the fairly ambitious goals set out in the relatively short turnaround period allotted.