Title
Resolution Expressing Support for North Carolina House Bill 864, an Act to Protect the Citizens of North Carolina From Drinking Water Contaminated by GenX and Other PFAS Compounds
Body
LEGISLATIVE INTENT/PURPOSE:
WHEREAS, chemical companies have discharged toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) into the local environment, disregarding the rights and wellbeing of residents along the lower Cape Fear River; and,
WHEREAS, Wilmington is the epicenter of the PFAS crisis in North Carolina; and,
WHEREAS, Wilmington and the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (“CFPUA”) are committed to accelerating the cleanup of PFAS contamination and safeguarding our drinking water; and,
WHEREAS, Wilmington’s 2024 legislative agenda affirms Council’s support for “a strong and ongoing response to the discharge of chemicals that may result in the impairment of our waterways, air, and drinking water, and that response must ensure that polluters fund related costs;” and,
WHEREAS, Representative Ted Davis and Representative Frank Iler have introduced a bill in the North Carolina House of Representatives (“HB 864”), that would allow the NC Secretary of Environmental Quality to order manufacturers of manmade PFAS, including GenX, to cover clean-up costs for public utilities.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
THAT, the Wilmington City Council expresses its support for state legislation HB 864, in order to protect the citizens of North Carolina from drinking water contaminated by GenX and other PFAS compounds.