Senator Boxer:  Protecting Our Drinking Water   

Thursday, February 10, 2011  

Dear Friend:

This week the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it would set a national drinking water standard for perchlorate.  

As you may know, perchlorate is a toxic component of rocket fuel that contaminates water supplies in at least 35 states, including California.  Exposure to perchlorate in drinking water is dangerous -- especially for pregnant women, infants and children -- because it can harm the body’s production of hormones necessary for mental and physical development.  

EPA’s decision reverses an interim decision by the Bush administration not to create a drinking water standard for perchlorate.  

After calling for this standard for more than eight years, I am so pleased that we are finally going to protect our families from perchlorate.  As Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, I will do everything I can to make sure this new protection moves forward.

Sincerely,