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.