As the Trump administration reconsiders strict federal PFAS limits, states and advocates worry a rollback could leave millions exposed to toxic chemicals in their drinking water.
Shannon Kelleher reports for The New Lede.
In short:
- A Biden-era rule set enforceable PFAS limits in drinking water at 4 parts per trillion, but ongoing litigation and pressure from industry groups may lead to its rollback under the Trump administration.
- States like New York and Wisconsin have weaker or non-enforceable PFAS standards, meaning millions could lose protection if federal rules are repealed.
- The American Chemistry Council and water utilities argue the rule is based on flawed science, while others say the limits are essential given mounting evidence of health risks.
Key quote:
“Once again we’re looking at millions of Americans that are going to be drinking unsafe drinking water if this standard goes away.”
— Sarah Woodbury, vice president for policy and advocacy, Defend Our Health
Why this matters:
PFAS chemicals are linked to cancer and chronic illness, and the science now shows there’s no safe level of exposure. Without a strong federal backbone, the burden shifts back to local governments, many of which lack adequate funding to enforce health-protective standards.
Read more: States move to cement PFAS protections amid fears of federal rollbacks
