North Carolina’s Environmental Management Commission has delayed voting on rules to limit forever chemicals in water until September, frustrating environmental officials.
Adam Wagner reports for The News & Observer.
In short:
- The NC Environmental Management Commission postponed a decision on regulating eight forever chemicals in water.
- Proposed rules aim to reduce contamination and cleanup costs, potentially saving $10 billion over 36 years.
- The commission requested revisions to only consider regulations for three chemicals, delaying progress.
Key quote:
"These commissioners are unable or unwilling to understand the science. They are unable or unwilling to take action that would actually protect the health and pocketbooks of North Carolinians. We know that the science is clear."
— Elizabeth Biser, NC Department of Environmental Quality Secretary
Why this matters:
Delays in regulating forever chemicals prolong public exposure to harmful substances, posing health risks and increasing water treatment costs.
Be sure to read EHN’s coverage: PFAS: EPA releases proposed drinking water standards for six “forever chemicals”
