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The new Secretary of Defense Mark Esper has committed the Department of Defense to establishing a task force to address issues surrounding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). In a memo signed July 23, the Secretary designates the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment as the group’s chair and highlights six key focus areas:

  • Health aspects;
  • Clean up standards and performance;
  • Finding and funding an effective substitute firefighting foam without PFAS;
  • Science supported standards for exposure and clean up;
  • Interagency coordination; and
  • Public/Congress perceptions of DoD’s efforts.

The Secretary of Defense has given the task force 30 days to report on its composition and charter and 180 days to provide an update.