S.Amdt. 2993

This amendment aims to add a new section (SEC. 320A) to bill S. 2296. Its purpose is to dedicate resources to expand and advance science, research, and technologies for detecting and remediating perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in water sources.

To achieve this, the amendment proposes the following:

• Establishment of Centers: The Secretary of Defense will select a tri-institutional collaboration consisting of an eligible research university, an eligible rural university, and a National Laboratory to create "Centers of Excellence for Assessing Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Water Sources and Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Remediation Solutions."

• Core Duties: The Centers must develop capabilities to measure contamination in various water samples using EPA-certified methods and evaluate technologies for removing or destroying these substances. They are also required to:

  • Make these measurement capabilities available to individuals and municipalities in their regions at a reasonable cost.
  • Provide open access to their research findings.
  • Prepare a new generation of experts by expanding education for graduate and undergraduate students.

• Funding and Timeline: The amendment provides $25,000,000 in increments of $2,500,000 from fiscal years 2027 through 2036. The Centers are scheduled to terminate on October 1, 2034, unless the Secretary determines an extension is necessary.

• Accountability: The Secretary must submit a report to Congress on the establishment of the Centers within one year, followed by annual reports detailing their activities and any recommendations for funding or policy.