U.S. Senator John Fetterman, alongside 27 Democratic colleagues, is calling on the Trump administration to reconsider its recent decision that postpones cleanups of toxic PFAS contamination at military bases across the nation. These delays could potentially expose military personnel and surrounding communities to hazardous substances for nearly a decade.
In a letter addressed to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the senators urged the administration to revert to the original cleanup schedule that had been outlined in late 2024. This original timeline is crucial as it would ensure necessary remediation efforts at approximately 150 installations are not pushed back further.
The letter highlights the pressing need for action, stating, “For years, communities contaminated by PFAS from nearby DOD installations in our states have waited for the DOD to take action.” The senators are adamant that the Pentagon must expedite efforts to address confirmed PFAS contamination, which poses serious health risks to affected populations.
Understanding PFAS and Its Implications
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and human body. Research links these chemicals to a range of serious health issues, including cancers, reproductive problems, and diminished immune function. Their prevalence at military bases, particularly through firefighting foams, has resulted in significant groundwater contamination.
According to a detailed document, at least 700 military sites across the United States are confirmed or suspected to be affected by PFAS. The revised cleanup schedule proposed by the administration would delay critical remediation steps, particularly the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study phase, at around 150 of those sites. Some of these delays extend the cleanup timelines by almost a decade.
Impact on Pennsylvania and Local Bases
The situation is particularly critical for Pennsylvania, where several installations are facing extended delays. The document outlines specific timelines for three bases in the state:
– Biddle Air National Guard Base (Montgomery County): Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) end date pushed from 2026 to 2030
– Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station (Allegheny County): RI/FS end date extended from 2028 to 2032
– Pittsburgh ANGB (Allegheny County): RI/FS end date moved from 2028 to 2033
Senator Fetterman, joined by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and other prominent senators including Tammy Duckworth, Cory Booker, Maggie Hassan, Bernie Sanders, and Ron Wyden, emphasized that these delays increase risks for military families and nearby neighborhoods already grappling with PFAS contamination.
The senators assert that the Department of Defense has a responsibility to promptly resume the original cleanup timeline and take further measures to safeguard public health. For those seeking more information, the full letter and a detailed list of impacted military bases are available through Senator Fetterman’s office.
