‘Environmental Champion’ by Clean Water Action

State House – Rep. June S. Speakman has been honored by Clean Water Action as an “Environmental Champion” for her work protecting Rhode Islanders and the state’s water from toxic PFAS chemicals. The award was presented at the organization’s 21st annual “Breakfast of Champions.”

Clean Water Action is honoring Representative Speakman for her successful effort to pass state-level drinking water standards for PFAS last year. She is leading the charge this year to get PFAS out of firefighting equipment.

“As the Ocean State, Rhode Island’s way of life, economy and survival are all inextricably linked to the water, and our future is dependent on its health. We are all indebted to Clean Water Action for its many years of dedication to and advocacy for preserving our water. I’m deeply honored to be recognized by Clean Water Action, grateful to have them as an ally in this work, and very pleased to continue working with them for the health of our water,” said Representative Speakman (D-Dist. 68, Warren, Bristol).

In 2022, Representative Speakman’s years-long effort resulted in two new laws concerning PFAS – a family of manmade chemicals known as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances. The first, which she sponsored, requires the Department of Health to establish maximum contaminate levels of PFAS in drinking water. The other, which she cosponsored, will eliminate them in in food packaging, made or sold in Rhode Island beginning next year.

PFAS, which are commonly used in everything from food packaging to frying pan coatings to firefighting foam, have been found to cause detrimental health impacts including decreased fertility, developmental delays in children and cancer.

Clean Water Action is a national organization founded in 1972 during the campaign for the Clean Water Act. In Rhode Island, the group works to build a clean water and clean energy future through outreach, education, organizing, advocacy and policy action at the state and national levels.

Clean Water Action’s annual “Breakfast of Champions” took place Friday, May 12, at the Aspray Boat House in Warwick. Also awarded at the breakfast were Rep. Terri Cortvriend (D-Dist. 72, Portsmouth, Middletown), Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee (D-Dist. 33, South Kingstown, Narragansett), Sen. Meghan E. Kallman (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, Providence), RI AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer Pat Crowley, Providence Journal reporter Alex Kuffner, and Shea High School senior and activist Zachary Pinto.