The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, alongside two other states, has petitioned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to classify four PFAS chemicals as Hazardous Air Pollutants, seeking stricter regulation of these persistent environmental contaminants.
Christine Zhu reports for NC Newsline.
In short:
- North Carolina joined New Mexico and New Jersey in requesting the EPA regulate four specific PFAS under the Clean Air Act.
- The petition targets PFOA, PFOS, PFNA and GenX, aiming to reduce their air emissions and contamination of water sources.
- This effort comes amid challenges from state officials and industry groups that have delayed new PFAS regulations.
Key quote:
“Adding these forever chemicals to the list of regulated pollutants addresses a gap in our regulatory authority and makes it possible to tackle a critical part of the PFAS life cycle: air emissions.”
— Elizabeth S. Biser, North Carolina DEQ Secretary
Why this matters:
PFAS are linked to serious health risks, and their presence in air and water sources is an ongoing concern. Tighter regulations could mitigate further environmental and public health damage.
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