NC S832

Commission for Public Health must commence rulemaking by October 15, 2024 to establish maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for probable or known carcinogens and toxic chemicals posing substantial hazard to public health.

Commission must establish MCLs at minimum for PFAS, PFOA, PFOS, hexavalent chromium (chromium-6), and 1,4-Dioxane, and consider MCLs for other contaminants adopted by at least two other states.

Commission shall review MCLs adopted by other states, peer-reviewed science, and toxicology data when establishing standards, with MCLs protective of vulnerable populations including pregnant and nursing mothers, infants, and children.

State MCLs shall not exceed any MCL or health advisory established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Commission must annually review latest peer-reviewed science and undertake additional rulemaking to establish or revise MCLs for contaminants posing substantial threat to public health.

$6,000,000 in recurring funds appropriated to Department of Health and Human Services for fiscal year 2024-2025 to implement requirements, with authorization to establish up to 37 FTE positions.