New Regulations Look to Curtail Drinking Water Contamination
Industrial tycoons remain on edge as they await the direction of new legislation aimed at conservation. With each new presidential administration, we can expect attempts at sweeping industry reform to satisfy environmental concerns. Many of these reforms look to roll-back or supersede policies of previous administrations. President Biden’s tenure will be no different. As the effects of Climate Change continue to dominate the topics of congressional hearings, the White House recently laid out sweeping strategy to target “forever chemicals.” More commonly known as PFAS, these chemicals have been directly linked to cancer, immune system woes and chronic pain in millions of Americans. With newly congressional powers delegated to the EPA, chemical storage under President Biden will certainly change.
The Future of PFAS
Ostensibly, Biden is looking to stamp out widespread contamination of these forever chemicals. PFAS are known for their water-resistant properties, and are primarily used in non-stick cookware and food packaging. The same strong chemical bonds that are used to manufacture such durable products are also a detriment to the ecosystem as they don’t break down easily in the environment. These substances have already been found in thousands of drinking supplies across the county. Experts believe that Biden plans require chemical manufacturers to thoroughly vet and test PFAS and similar chemicals to assure they meet rigorous health and environmental standards. Unfortunately, PFAS also belong to similar toxic chemicals that encompass an endless classification system, furthering stymying the efforts of environmentalists looking to propose new regulations.
“This comprehensive, national PFAS strategy will deliver protections to people who are hurting, by advancing bold and concrete actions that address the full lifecycle of these chemicals,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement.
Understanding the Complexities of Chemical Storage Under President Biden
With every new president, we can expect an outpouring of new laws and regulations. Call it political maneuvering or promoting a new agenda, new administrations seem bent on undoing what was enacted by the previous president. Biden has already moved to undercut Trump’s Keystone Pipeline approval and looks to take further aim at carbon producing industries. Perhaps the biggest change coming down the proverbial pipeline is a provision of the Build Back Better Plan that allows OSHA to potentially increase workplace safety fines by 500%! Businesses that don’t comply with safety violations could be soon facing the business end of an OSHA agent’s ink pen as he writes up violation upon violation.
What Does this Mean For Your Industry?
With the EPA putting greater emphasis on lessening America’s carbon footprint, business owners can expect stricter regulations in regards to chemical storage. Companies that once skirted the law with inferior storage buildings will face new scrutiny. Simply stockpiling dangerous chemicals in the back of a warehouse will no longer cut it. Dumping chemicals into our streams and rivers will result in hefty civil penalties, if not outright bankruptcy.
Navigate Changing Storage Laws With an Industry Expert
Ignorance of the law is never an excuse when it comes to compliant chemical storage. Even the slightest of oversights can contaminate the environment and saddle your business with insurmountable civil penalties. Do you really want to be known as the company that polluted the town’s favorite lake, rendering it sterile, all because you wanted to save a few dollars by skimping on compliant protection? Fortunately, our building advisors work tirelessly researching changing laws and regulations, so you don’t have to. With just a quick phone call, we can quickly assess your storage needs and provide the best compliant storage locker so you can focus on securing new clients and maximizing profits.
