H.R. 6476: Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act

The bill titled "Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act" intends to provide support and financial assistance to farmers impacted by contamination from PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Here's a summary of its key components:

Definitions

The bill defines several terms relevant to its implementation:

• Agricultural Land: Any land used for the production of farm products, which includes irrigation and livestock water.
• Commercial Farm: A farm where products are produced for sale to generate income.
• Eligible Government: Includes states, the District of Columbia, territories of the U.S., and Indian Tribes.
• Farm Product: Any useful plant or animal product intended for human use, including grains, dairy, vegetables, and more.
• PFAS: A group of man-made chemicals known to contaminate sources of drinking water, which can be harmful to health.

Grant Program Establishment

The Secretary of Agriculture is tasked with establishing a grant program to help address PFAS contamination on farms. Eligible governments can apply for these grants if:

• Their agricultural land has unsafe levels of PFAS in soil or water.
• They have agricultural land that faces contamination issues.

Use of Grants

Eligible governments can use grant funds for several purposes, including:

• Monitoring health complications related to PFAS among affected individuals and their households.
• Compensating for contaminated agricultural land or farm products.
• Investing in agricultural improvements to maintain farmer profitability during remediation.
• Supporting producers in developing budgets for transitioning to alternative farming practices.
• Conducting PFAS testing and expanding testing capacities.
• Researching impacts of PFAS on agricultural communities, alongside long-term monitoring and educational initiatives.

Grant Prioritization

In the disbursement of grants, there will be a focus on direct assistance to producers who are financially impacted due to PFAS. Additionally, a minimum of 30% of the annual total funding will be reserved for smaller governments with populations under 3 million.

Reporting Requirements

Eligible governments receiving grants must report annually to the Secretary and Congress, detailing how funds were utilized, the effectiveness of the programs, and any additional needs identified.

Task Force Establishment

A task force will be created to advise the Secretary on PFAS issues, evaluate necessary actions for affected farms, and provide technical assistance.

Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes the appropriation of $500 million for the Secretary to implement the Act from fiscal years 2026 through 2029.

Relevant Companies

None found