Contaminated Wells Relocation Act

House Bill

H.R. 1419

119th Congress

Contaminated Wells Relocation Act

In Committee

Introduced:Feb 18, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Jennifer Kiggans

R - VA

Cosponsors

1

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Science, Technology, Communications

Summary

This bill allows NASA to reimburse Chincoteague, Virginia for costs of relocating drinking water wells from NASA property that have been contaminated with PFAS from firefighting foams used since the 1970s at Wallops Flight Facility.

Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill allows NASA to reimburse Chincoteague, Virginia for costs of relocating drinking water wells from NASA property that have been contaminated with PFAS from firefighting foams used since the 1970s at Wallops Flight Facility.

Last updated: 1/5/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Contaminated Wells Relocation ActThis bill permits the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to enter into an agreement to reimburse the town of Chincoteague, Virginia for costs directly associated with the removal and relocation of drinking water wells currently situated on NASA property.  (Drinking water wells located at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility near Chincoteague have tested positive for perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, resulting from the use of certain firefighting foams at the site beginning in the 1970s. NASA currently operates a water treatment system to remove PFAS from the affected water supply.) Any such agreement must include, to the extent practicable, (1) a provision for the removal and relocation of the wells remaining on NASA property, (2) a description of the location to which the wells are planned to be relocated, and (3) a current cost estimate of such relocation. Replacement wells must be established on property under the administrative control of the town of Chincoteague.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Authorizes NASA reimbursement for well relocation costs
Addresses PFAS contamination from firefighting foam
Affects Chincoteague, Virginia drinking water supply
Requires wells relocated to town-controlled property
Replaces NASA water treatment system approach

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Chincoteague residents would get clean drinking water from relocated wells. NASA would fund the relocation rather than ongoing treatment. The town would gain control of its water infrastructure. PFAS contamination concerns would be addressed.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Science, Technology, Communications

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

1419, 119th Congress (2025). "Contaminated Wells Relocation Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-1419