Emerging Contaminants Update: EPA Releases PFAS Action Plan

The PFAS family of chemicals continues to be in the spotlight on what seems like an almost daily basis. Just earlier today was this article, reporting on at least 55 drinking water systems contaminated with PFAS chemicals from Defense Department use of firefighting foam, a common source of PFAS chemicals. Here is our report last month on recent regulatory actions at the state level, along with some background on the toxicity and prevalence of PFAS chemicals.

The big news last week was the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) release of its PFAS Action Plan, laying out the agency’s short and long-term plans to address PFAS contamination. Here is the news conference with EPA’s Acting Administrator Wheeler. The release of this plan is yet another step in the direction towards federal regulation of PFAS chemicals. While the plan is being heavily criticized by many for not doing enough, federal regulation is still possible in the near term, especially with pressure from both Democrats and Republicans in Congress.  Meanwhile, a regulatory patchwork is rapidly developing on the state level.