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HB 2050

Occoquan Reservoir PFAS Reduction Program; established.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by David Bulova and 8 co-sponsors

Virginia establishes PFAS reduction program for Occoquan Reservoir to protect drinking water supply for 2 million residents from persistent chemical contamination.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0650)
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Bill Summary · HB 2050

Legislative bill overview

HB 2050 establishes a PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) reduction program specifically targeting the Occoquan Reservoir in Northern Virginia. The bill creates a framework for addressing contamination from these "forever chemicals" that persist in the environment and accumulate in human tissue.

Why is this important

The Occoquan Reservoir serves as a drinking water source for approximately 2 million Northern Virginia residents, making contamination a direct public health concern. PFAS chemicals have been linked to health issues including liver damage, thyroid disease, and immune system suppression, and their presence in drinking water supplies has become a growing environmental justice issue across the United States.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost allocation: Unclear who bears the financial burden for remediation—taxpayers, industrial polluters responsible for contamination, or water utility ratepayers
  • Implementation timeline: No specified deadline for achieving PFAS reduction targets, potentially allowing indefinite delays in water quality improvements
  • Scope limitations: Program focuses solely on Occoquan Reservoir rather than addressing broader PFAS contamination across Virginia's water systems, which may be seen as incomplete environmental protection

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

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