The rollback of proposed federal limitations on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” is a stark reminder of the persistent injustices faced by vulnerable communities living near contaminated waterways. PFAS chemicals, linked to cancer, immune system suppression, and developmental disorders, are not just a public health crisis—they are a moral failure of our government to prioritize people over polluters.
At Potomac Riverkeeper Network (PRKN), we see the withdrawal of these regulations as nothing short of an environmental justice emergency. Communities along the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, especially low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, are already burdened by the disproportionate impacts of industrial pollution. Allowing increased PFAS contamination perpetuates this cycle of harm, and we refuse to stand by while public health is sacrificed for profit.
Our Commitment to Justice and Action
PRKN is unwavering in our mission to hold polluters accountable, fight for the health of our rivers, and demand justice for the communities that depend on them. We are doubling down on our commitment to use science, advocacy, and grassroots organizing to combat this environmental and public health crisis. Here’s how we’re fighting back:
1. Uncovering the Truth with Science
PFAS pollution thrives in silence and invisibility. By enhancing our water monitoring programs to include rigorous PFAS testing, we will expose the true scope of contamination in our rivers and hold polluters accountable. Our science-based approach ensures that the data cannot be ignored, providing a foundation for advocacy and legal action.
2. Centering Our Work on Impacted Communities
PFAS contamination is not just an environmental issue; it’s a human rights crisis impacting farmers, watermen, anglers, service members, and many low-income communities. The communities most impacted by toxic pollution often have the fewest resources to fight back. We are committed to amplifying the voices of residents in the Potomac and Shenandoah regions, particularly those in underrepresented areas like Oxon Hill, MD, Ward 8 in Washington DC, and smaller communities in the Shenandoah Valley. Through workshops, public forums, and partnerships, we will empower these communities with the tools they need to demand accountability and justice.
3. Fighting for Stronger Protections
While federal safeguards are being dismantled, PRKN will push harder than ever for robust state and local regulations to limit PFAS pollution. Virginia’s recent approval of PFAS-laden sewage sludge on farmlands is a glaring example of why state-level action is critical. We will work tirelessly to demand stricter oversight, safer disposal practices, and protections for our farmers and waterways.
4. Holding Polluters Accountable
When advocacy alone isn’t enough, we will turn to the courts. Legal action is a powerful tool to enforce environmental laws and ensure that corporations cannot continue to profit at the expense of public health. PRKN is prepared to fight for justice on behalf of the families and ecosystems that rely on clean, safe water.
5. Building a Movement
We know that real change comes from collective action. That’s why we’re committed to building a movement that connects scientists, advocates, policymakers, and everyday community members in the fight against PFAS pollution. By standing together, we can demand a future where public health and environmental justice are no longer negotiable.
How You Can Join the Fight
This is not a battle we can win alone. Your voice, your support, and your action are critical to our success. Here’s how you can help:
- Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about PFAS pollution and share information widely to raise awareness. Knowledge is power, and every conversation helps.
- Speak Out: Participate in public comment periods, attend hearings, and contact your local representatives to demand stronger protections against PFAS contamination.
- Support Our Work: Donate to PRKN or volunteer your time to help us expand our monitoring, advocacy, and legal efforts. Every contribution makes a difference.
- Organize Locally: Bring your community together to address PFAS pollution. Whether it’s hosting an event, circulating a petition, or partnering with us, your local efforts strengthen the larger movement.
Our Rivers Deserve Justice—And So Do Our Communities
The Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers have long been lifelines for our region, providing drinking water, recreation, and natural beauty to millions. But they are more than that. They are a shared heritage, a source of life, and a vital connection to the communities who depend on them.
We cannot allow short-sighted rollbacks to undo decades of progress in protecting these waters. And we won’t. At Potomac Riverkeeper Network, we are committed to fighting back with every tool at our disposal, ensuring that justice, science, and public health lead the way.
Together, we can make sure the voices of our rivers—and the people who rely on them—are heard. Join us in the fight for clean water and environmental justice today.
