ALBANY, New York — Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration released new proposals Thursday to address the release of “forever chemicals” into the environment.
The Department of Environmental Conservation detailed several planned actions to tackle PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, including testing requirements for biosolids spread on fields in New York.
“They’re in water, in air, in soil and they’re present in countless consumer products and foods,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton in a Thursday briefing with reporters.
Why it matters: Some Democratic lawmakers and environmental groups have been pushing to limit PFAS being released into the environment. These human-made chemicals pose serious human health dangers — including increased cancer risks and liver and thyroid issues — and don’t break down naturally.
