The Biden administration’s clean water policies, including wetland and PFAS regulations, are likely to face significant changes under President-elect Donald Trump, who is expected to prioritize state control over water protection.
Bobby Magill reports for Bloomberg Law.
In short:
- Trump’s second term is expected to bring back his prior administration’s less restrictive wetlands protections, challenging Biden’s Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule.
- Environmental advocates are concerned that regulations limiting PFAS, a group of toxic “forever chemicals,” could also be weakened.
- Lead pipe replacement mandates may be impacted, as states worry about the lack of federal funding to meet updated safety requirements.
Key quote:
“Any change in PFAS regulations is going to be viewed negatively by the water quality folks.”
— Mark Sudol, former Army Corps of Engineers official
Why this matters:
Changes to water protections could increase environmental risks by weakening safeguards on wetlands and toxic substances. Reduced federal oversight may also place a heavier financial burden on states to protect drinking water, potentially leaving residents exposed to health hazards like PFAS and lead.
Related: Biden administration takes action on PFAS: a shift in water quality standards
