Home / Environment / EPA Softens 'Forever Chemical' Limits in Water
EPA Softens 'Forever Chemical' Limits in Water
7 May
Summary
- New EPA proposal will soften Biden-era limits on 'forever chemicals'.
- Stricter standards for two common PFAS types will be delayed.
- Limits on rarer PFAS forms will be rescinded and revisited.
The Trump administration is set to propose changes to the Biden-era limits on "forever chemicals" (PFAS) in drinking water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) intends to rescind and revisit certain limits, citing concerns that the original process under the Safe Drinking Water Act was not properly followed.
While the proposal will start the process of rolling back parts of the first-ever limits on PFAS finalized during the Biden administration, the strict standards for two common PFAS types, PFOA and PFOS, will be maintained. However, water utilities will receive an additional two years, until 2031, to comply with these regulations. This extension is seen as common-sense flexibility, particularly for smaller, rural water systems.
Limits on three rarer types of PFAS, including GenX substances, and a limit on a mixture of several PFAS types, are proposed for rescission and subsequent reconsideration. The EPA stated their commitment to assisting utilities with technical aid and financial resources to address PFAS contamination. Public comment will be accepted before any changes are finalized.
