Fetterman Urges Action on Delayed PFAS Cleanups at Military Bases
U.S. Senator John Fetterman and 27 Democratic colleagues are pressing the Trump administration to reverse its decision to delay cleanups of toxic PFAS contamination at military bases across the United States. This postponement threatens to leave service members and nearby communities exposed to harmful substances for nearly a decade. The senators sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, urging the administration to restore the cleanup timetable originally released in late 2024 and to abandon the revised schedule that defers critical remediation phases at approximately 150 military installations.
In their correspondence, the senators emphasized the urgency of addressing the contamination. “For years, communities contaminated by PFAS from nearby DOD installations in our states have waited for the DOD to take action,” they stated, calling for the Pentagon to “accelerate efforts to remediate confirmed PFAS contamination.” PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are linked to serious health issues, including cancers, reproductive problems, and diminished immune function. Their extensive use in firefighting foams at military sites has resulted in significant groundwater contamination, particularly through stormwater runoff.
Significant Delays in Cleanup Timelines
According to the letter, at least 700 military sites across the U.S. are known or suspected to be contaminated with PFAS. The administration’s revised schedule would delay key remediation steps, specifically the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study phase, at about 150 of these sites. Some of these postponements could extend timelines for cleanup by nearly ten years, exacerbating the risks for military families and surrounding neighborhoods.
The implications for Pennsylvania are particularly notable. Three installations in the state are now facing extended cleanup delays:
– Biddle Air National Guard Base in Montgomery County: RI/FS end date moved from 2026 to 2030
– Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station in Allegheny County: moved from 2028 to 2032
– Pittsburgh ANGB in Allegheny County: moved from 2028 to 2033
Senator Fetterman, along with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and other senators including Tammy Duckworth, Cory Booker, Maggie Hassan, Bernie Sanders, and Ron Wyden, expressed their concern over the long delays. They argue that the Department of Defense has a responsibility to immediately resume the original cleanup timetable and take necessary actions to safeguard public health.
The full letter detailing the affected bases and the senators’ demands is available through Senator Fetterman’s office.
As ongoing discussions unfold, the situation highlights the pressing need for effective action regarding PFAS contamination, which poses significant health risks and environmental concerns for communities across the nation. The call for immediate remediation efforts reflects the urgent need to protect those living near contaminated military installations.
