In North Carolina, Republican appointees to the Environmental Management Commission are delaying new regulations on hazardous chemicals in water supplies.
Adam Wagner reports for News Observer.
In short:
- The commission has not set enforceable limits on chemicals like PFAS and 1,4-dioxane, despite known health risks.
- Recent political changes have allowed Republicans to dominate the commission, affecting its decision-making.
- Environmental advocates and state regulators express frustration over the stalled regulatory processes.
Key quote:
"We are not going to drop this issue. It is of public health consequence."
— J.D. Solomon, chair of the Environmental Management Commission
Why this matters:
The delay in regulation is particularly alarming in North Carolina, a state with a history of industrial pollution and water quality issues. Critics argue that such delays could prolong exposure to dangerous chemicals for millions of residents, potentially leading to long-term health effects.
