Donald Trump’s plans for the Environmental Protection Agency may include rolling back protections against PFAS and other drinking water threats, worrying public health advocates.
Hiroko Tabuchi reports for The New York Times.
In short:
- The Trump administration could reverse Biden-era rules that mandate PFAS reductions in drinking water, citing costs and industry concerns.
- Efforts to replace lead water pipes, funded under the Biden administration, may face delays or budget freezes under Trump’s leadership.
- Proposals from Project 2025 suggest removing PFAS chemicals from Superfund regulations, potentially shifting cleanup costs to taxpayers.
- Meanwhile, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s health secretary pick, focuses on eliminating fluoride (which helps to combat cavities) from tap water.
Key quote:
“I think people are going to be very upset, saying: 'Look, I didn’t vote for toxic chemicals in my water'.”
— Erik Olson, senior strategic director for Health and Environmental Health at the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Why this matters:
PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” are linked to cancer and immune issues and contaminate most Americans’ drinking water. Delays in addressing these and lead pipe removal could worsen health disparities and strain healthcare systems.
