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The Trump administration has withdrawn a proposal to regulate harmful “forever chemicals” in drinking water, sparking backlash from environmental advocates and public health experts.
The proposed regulations, developed under the Biden administration, aimed to set stricter limits on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water and enforce tighter controls on industrial discharges.
This decision follows President Trump’s executive order to freeze pending federal regulations for review, issued shortly after his inauguration. The order requires agencies to assess the economic impact and scientific foundation of proposed regulations before proceeding. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) halted its PFAS regulatory plan, citing the need for additional evaluation.
"Immediately withdraw any rules that have been sent to the OFR but not published in the Federal Register, so that they can be reviewed and approved," the order read.
PFAS, found in products like nonstick cookware, firefighting foam, and waterproof clothing, are notorious for their persistence in the environment and links to serious health risks, including cancer and developmental issues. A 2020 study estimated that more than 200 million Americans could be exposed to unsafe PFAS levels through drinking water.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the withdrawal last week, citing the need for further evaluation of the science and economic implications.
Environmental groups strongly opposed the move, warning it could delay critical protections for communities already grappling with contamination.
"Yesterday’s action by the Trump administration to withdraw the long-awaited proposal on PFAS effluent limits is a devastating setback in the fight to protect our communities from toxic 'forever chemicals,'" Melanie Benesh, vice president for government affairs at Environmental Working Group (EWG).
"This move not only delays establishing critical federal standards but also sends a dangerous message giving polluters a green light to continue poisoning our water and communities without fear of consequence."
States like Michigan and New Jersey, which have implemented their own limits on PFAS, may face increased challenges without federal guidance. Advocates argue that a uniform federal standard is necessary to ensure comprehensive protections against these toxic chemicals, which have been called one of the most pressing environmental health issues of the modern era.
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