As federal regulators move to roll back limits on "forever chemicals," or PFAS, some Alaska lawmakers are pushing in the opposite direction with new bills that would require near-zero PFAS levels in drinking water. For communities like Haines, where contamination has already been documented near the Tanani Point Tank Farm, the stakes are as local as much as they are political.

State testing shows Haines' public water system is currently clear, but that system doesn't reach everyone. Groundwater near the tank farm has tested above safe limits. But the state is not planning to test private wells in the area.

This week, Will Steinfeld writes from Juneau about proposed legislation that would force broader testing and could make the state responsible for contamination tied to public facilities. But, for now, gaps remain - especially for residents outside the public water system.

Read that story and more at chilkatvalleynews.com