EPA Plans Rollback on National Forever Chemicals Drinking Water Limits

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced plans to roll back some of the drinking water limits on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals," reversing standards set during the Biden administration intended to reduce exposure to these toxic substances. This decision has drawn significant criticism from environmental groups who argue the rollback is illegal under the Safe Drinking Water Act and endangers public health, as PFAS are linked to cancer and other serious health issues. The EPA's rollback includes rescinding limits for certain PFAS types and extending compliance deadlines, despite the chemicals' persistence in the environment and accumulation in the human body. The move comes amid broader debates over environmental regulation, with the EPA under the Trump administration seeking to ease restrictions to promote economic growth, leading to concerns about the future of federal environmental protection efforts. Efforts to regulate PFAS continue at state levels, such as in North Carolina and parts of Canada, where some provinces systematically test water supplies for these chemicals. Environmental advocates plan to legally challenge the EPA's rollbacks, emphasizing the importance of stringent standards to protect drinking water quality and public health.