This summer, we’ve seen progress out of Washington, D.C. for communities impacted by toxic PFAS pollution from military bases. Both the U.S. House and Senate included the Military PFAS Transparency Act in their respective versions of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) – a major milestone in the fight to hold the Department of Defense accountable for the contamination it has caused.

The inclusion of this bill marks a breakthrough for communities like Oscoda and Grayling, where PFAS pollution from military installations has threatened public health for years. Codifying interim cleanup policies that many residents and advocates in Oscoda helped pioneer, the legislation will compel the Pentagon to act faster, limit further exposure to PFAS, and issue regular progress reports to Congress. This bipartisan success was made possible thanks to the leadership of Reps. Kristen McDonald Rivet and Jack Bergman, along with Sens. Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin, who worked across the aisle to move the bill through committee.

The Military PFAS Transparency Act is a community-driven solution to a long-standing crisis. It ensures impacted communities are no longer kept in the dark about cleanup timelines or the Department of Defense’s decision-making. For families living with tainted water and broken promises, this bill represents a chance at real change – and a clear sign that their advocacy is working.

GLPAN was proud to champion this critical legislation and help elevate the voices of people on the frontlines of this contamination. Much work remains, but this win shows that when impacted residents organize and speak out, lawmakers listen.