Outlook on PFAS Under the New EPA

The new US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)administration recently outlined its position on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known colloquially as “forever chemicals,” which are linked to potential toxicity and bioaccumulation in humans and ecological receptors.   

Found in everyday items like food packaging, cosmetics, and waterproof fabric, as well as industrial products such as chromium electroplating aids and aqueous film-forming foams used to extinguish fuel fires, some PFAS end up in food, water, and wastewater, posing potential environmental health concerns. 

While the new administration continues to focus on PFAS, it has slowed the pace of related rulemaking compared to 2024, extending public comment periods and reviewing previous actions. Relative to broad PFAS issues, the agency announced it intends to focus on stronger science, statutory obligations, and partnerships. 

Stronger PFAS Science 

A shared finding under the current and previous administrations is that there is insufficient scientific information to confidently regulate PFAS. As such, EPA intends to: 

• Use the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to collect data on PFAS releases, hazards, and exposures     
• Expedite the development of PFAS test and measurement methods, including those for air 
• Collect PFAS in the air information   
• Provide annual updates on the PFAS Destruction and Disposal Guidance   
• Identify and address data gaps where not all PFAS can be measured or controlled 
• Complete a biosolids risk assessment and determine a path forward based on comments    

PFAS Statutory Obligations 

EPA must honor existing PFAS laws. Therefore, the following actions will continue:    

• Implementing Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) PFAS rules, unless pending legal challenges are successful or there are changes to existing legislation (e.g., Maximum Contaminant Level [MCL] revisions) 
• Relying on authorities to better assess PFAS risks and limit any unacceptable uses and releases   
• Using SDWA to investigate and address immediate endangerment  
• Developing effluent limitations guidelines (ELGs) for PFAS manufacturers and metal finishers 
• Continuing to add PFAS to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI)
• Looking at the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) to address releases from manufacturers and users of PFAS  
• Establishing a liability framework based on the polluter pays principle while protecting passive receivers  

Key Partnerships for PFAS 

The key partners that EPA is calling on are state governments, tribes, and communities. The agency intends to collaborate on the following issues:  

• Advancement of remediation and cleanup efforts on PFAS-impacted drinking water supplies 
• Development of analytical and risk assessment tools  
• PFAS enforcement 
• Air petitions    

According to EPA, these are not the only actions that the agency is planning to take. We will keep you updated on EPA’s intended PFAS actions.  

This article was originally published here.