NC H521

Commission for Public Health must commence rulemaking by October 15, 2021 to establish maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for probable or known carcinogens and toxic chemicals that pose substantial hazard to public health

Commission shall establish MCLs for five contaminants at minimum: PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), hexavalent chromium (chromium-6), and 1,4-Dioxane

Commission shall consider establishment of MCLs for any other contaminants where at least two other states have set MCLs or issued guidance

When establishing MCLs, Commission must review standards adopted by other states, EPA studies, peer-reviewed science, and must ensure MCLs are protective of vulnerable populations including pregnant and nursing mothers, infants, and children, without exceeding EPA standards

Commission for Public Health shall annually review latest peer-reviewed science and undertake additional rulemaking as necessary to establish or revise MCLs for contaminants posing substantial threat to public health