The U.S. Air Force is disputing a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency order to address PFAS contamination in Tucson's drinking water, citing the Supreme Court's recent Chevron ruling to challenge the agency's authority.
Tom Perkins reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- The Air Force argues that the EPA lacks the authority to enforce a cleanup of PFAS pollution in Tucson, referencing the Supreme Court's recent overturn of the Chevron doctrine.
- Legal experts, however, suggest that the Chevron ruling does not apply to the EPA’s enforcement orders, and note that the Air Force's challenge appears to extend beyond the ruling's intent.
- Tucson's water filtration system, not designed for PFAS removal, is under strain, posing an imminent risk of contamination and potentially leaving the city without safe drinking water.
Key quote:
“The law does not require or expect EPA to wait until people are actively being harmed. In fact, Congress expects EPA to utilize its authority to prevent the harm from materializing.”
— U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Why this matters:
PFAS contamination in drinking water poses significant health risks, and the Air Force's refusal to comply with EPA directives could set a precedent for polluters using legal loopholes to evade responsibility. Ensuring regulatory authority is maintained is crucial for safeguarding public health and environmental integrity.
