News

Lawmakers want feds to help farms tackle ‘forever chemicals’

Lawmakers want feds to help farms tackle ‘forever chemicals’

Photo: clipart.com


PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Maine’s congressional delegation wants the federal government to help farmers in the state cope with the growing problem of managing long-lasting chemical contamination.

The four lawmakers on Monday called on U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to make resources available to respond to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance contamination, or PFAS contamination. The substances are sometimes called “forever chemicals.” Maine authorities are trying to sample, treat, remediate and monitor the chemicals in the state.

The lawmakers said in a statement to Vilsack that the substances are “increasingly being found in soil, water, animal feed, crops and livestock on Maine’s farms.” They said USDA can help farmers with options such as loans and emergency assistance.

Exposure to high levels of the chemicals have been linked to increased risks of cancer and other chronic health problems.

Latest Headlines

1 hour ago in Local

Platner Takes Page from Trump Playbook to Keep Up Senate Bid

Fresh

Platner is the latest Democratic candidate to shrug off dark revelations about their past,

10 hours ago in Local

Man Dies in Down East Maine Crash

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

10 hours ago in Local

Maine State Worker Resigns After Charges for Comfort Dog’s Death

Brodie Hinckley was placed on administrative leave last month

11 hours ago in Local

Former Gov. LePage joins Republicans calling for investigation into funds raised for Lewiston shooting survivors

A group of Maine Republicans including former Governor Paul LePage are calling for an investigation into the use of funds raised for survivors of the Lewiston mass shooting.

11 hours ago in Local

Traffic stops lead to drug arrest in Portland

Police seized a rifle along with meth and crack cocaine during a traffic stop in Portland.