California Senator Barbara Boxer also introduced legislation on the first day of the Senate’s session that would require EPA to establish an enforceable standard for perchlorate in drinking water. Sen. Boxer introduced a similar bill in the first day of the 110th Congress in 2007, but did not offer perchlorate legislation last year.
Under S. 78, the “Protecting Pregnant Women and Children From Perchlorate Act,” EPA would have to establish an enforceable standard for perchlorate in drinking water within one year of the bill’s enactment. Like the similar chromium-VI bill, the standard would have to be maximally protective of vulnerable populations. The bill would also require EPA to promulgate a health advisory for perchlorate within ninety days of the bill’s enactment.
The legislation is not likely to advance, however, as EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson announced EPA’s decision to regulate percholorate in drinking water at the Environment and Public Works Committee’s February 2 hearing.