Senator May Discusses PFAS Discharge Disclosure Act

PFAS are a class of more than 9,000 human-made chemicals that have been widely used in industrial processes and consumer products. Often called “forever chemicals,” they persist in the environment, accumulate in the human body, and are highly toxic. Exposure has been linked to serious health conditions, including thyroid disease, kidney and testicular cancer, high cholesterol, preeclampsia, and other harmful effects.

Passing the PFAS Discharge Disclosure Act is an important step toward protecting New York’s freshwater. For too long, communities have been left in the dark about the extent of PFAS released into our lakes, rivers, and groundwater. This legislation increases transparency by requiring industrial permit holders to monitor and report PFAS discharges, ensuring the public has access to critical information about their water quality.

PFAS Discharge Disclosure Act

S4575 The legislation establishes a testing and reporting protocol for the discharge of PEAS (a class of per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals) into our waters. This is crucial for the state’s understanding of its sources and will guide future policymaking regarding these “forever chemicals.”

"PFAS, “forever chemicals," don’t disappear; they contaminate our water for generations. We have a right to know when industries release pollutants into our streams, lakes, and groundwater. I’m glad the Senate Majority passed my PFAS testing bill (S.4574B), because we can’t fix what we don’t measure," said Senator Rachel May.