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SB 3101

EPA-PFAS STANDARDS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Julie Morrison

Illinois bill establishes binding drinking water PFAS contamination limits, requiring utilities to test and treat "forever chemicals" independent of federal standards.

Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments
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Bill Summary · SB 3101

Legislative bill overview

SB 3101 establishes state-level drinking water standards for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in Illinois, independent of or in advance of federal EPA regulations. The bill creates enforceable limits on "forever chemicals" that accumulate in human tissue and the environment, requiring water utilities to test for and monitor PFAS contamination.

Why is this important

PFAS contamination affects drinking water supplies across Illinois, particularly near military bases, airports, and industrial sites. These chemicals persist indefinitely in the environment and have been linked to health concerns including liver damage, thyroid disease, and immune suppression. Establishing state standards would require water treatment upgrades and create compliance obligations for utilities serving millions of residents.

Potential points of contention

  • Economic burden on water utilities: Testing and treatment infrastructure upgrades could increase consumer water bills significantly, with costs distributed unevenly across affluent and low-income communities
  • Timeline and stringency conflicts: State standards may conflict with or preempt federal EPA PFAS regulations expected in 2024-2025, creating uncertainty about compliance requirements and duplicate investment
  • Industrial and agricultural impacts: Manufacturing and certain agricultural operations using PFOA/PFOS products may face production restrictions or increased compliance costs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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