Table of Contents
- Bipartisan Outcry Over PFAS Delays
- What Are PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’?
- Military’s History with Toxic Foam
- Cleanup Timelines Slipped by Years
- Communities at Risk
- Pentagon’s Response and Next Steps
- Sources
Bipartisan Outcry Over PFAS Delays
A rare show of unity in Washington has emerged over the Pentagon’s decision to delay cleanup of toxic PFAS chemicals at nearly 140 military installations across the U.S. In a sharply worded letter sent Wednesday to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, 36 members of Congress—including two Republicans—demanded a full explanation for the multi-year postponements.
“For years, our defense communities have suffered from the consequences of this contamination,” the lawmakers wrote. “The Department of Defense has a serious responsibility to these communities, including service members and their families.”
What Are PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic compounds used since the 1940s in everything from nonstick cookware to waterproof clothing—and, critically, in firefighting foam. Dubbed “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down naturally, PFAS have been linked to cancer, thyroid disease, liver damage, and developmental issues in children.
Even trace amounts in drinking water pose health risks. The Environmental Protection Agency now recommends near-zero exposure levels.
Military’s History with Toxic Foam
For decades, the U.S. military relied heavily on aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)—a highly effective but PFAS-laden firefighting agent—during training exercises and emergency responses at airbases and naval stations. Runoff from these drills seeped into soil and groundwater, contaminating wells near bases in Michigan, New Mexico, New York, and beyond.
Though the military phased out the most toxic formulations in 2023, legacy contamination remains widespread—and dangerous.
Cleanup Timelines Slipped by Years
According to a recent New York Times investigation, the Department of Defense has quietly extended cleanup deadlines at contaminated sites by an average of five years. At some locations, remediation has been pushed back by nearly a decade.
These delays mean families living near bases could continue drinking, bathing, and farming with PFAS-tainted water for years longer than previously promised.
Communities at Risk
Among the hardest-hit areas are communities surrounding Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Michigan and Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico—both mentioned in the congressional letter. Residents in these towns have reported elevated cancer rates and birth defects, which they attribute to long-term exposure.
“PFAS contamination has a devastating impact on military families and surrounding communities across the country,” said Ciro Riccardi, communications director for Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), one of the letter’s signatories.
Pentagon’s Response and Next Steps
As of Thursday, the Pentagon had not issued a formal response to the congressional inquiry. However, internal documents suggest budget constraints, staffing shortages, and regulatory complexities have contributed to the delays.
Environmental advocates warn that further postponements could violate federal environmental laws. Meanwhile, affected communities are calling for emergency filtration systems and independent health monitoring.
With bipartisan pressure mounting, the Defense Department may soon face hearings, funding holds, or even legislative mandates to accelerate the PFAS cleanup—before more lives are put at risk.
