HASSAN PRAISES EPA. U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan this week said she appreciated the Environmental Protection Agency's announcement that it will consider setting a maximum contaminant level allowed in drinking water for the chemicals PFOA and PFOS.But she said she remains concerned about the Trump administration's commitment to the issue.Hassan cosponsored legislation requiring the EPA to develop a maximum contaminant level for perfluorinated compounds.EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, convening a conference on the subject with local and state officials, and chemical industry representatives Tuesday, promised to step up EPA action on contaminants, saying, “It’s clear this issue is a national priority.” “I appreciate that the EPA has announced that it will consider setting a maximum contaminant level for PFAS in drinking water, a long-overdue step in the federal government’s response to communities who have been speaking out and demanding answers about the safety of their drinking water,” Hassan said.“However, given the Trump administration’s decision to block the release of a study about the health impacts of PFAS in drinking water and administrator Pruitt’s closeness to the chemical industry, including their prominent role in the EPA’s PFAS National Leadership Summit, I remain concerned about the administration’s commitment on this critical issue.”Separately, Hassan and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen commended a vote by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee clearing the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, which authorizes water infrastructure projects throughout the country. They had help secure provisions in the bill that urge the Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize mitigation efforts at the Hampton and Seabrook harbors.“I commend the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works for voting to approve these two important projects that will strengthen water infrastructure in the Granite State and help ensure that Portsmouth and Hampton Harbors can continue to drive economic development on the Seacoast,” Hassan said.“Strong water infrastructure is vital to the safety of our people and the vitality of our economy.”