On April 28, 2025, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced a series of critical actions to tackle per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals") contamination nationwide. This initiative underscores the EPA’s commitment to strengthening oversight of these harmful chemicals, ensuring cleaner air, land, and water for communities across the United States.
Core Actions and Principles
Administrator Zeldin emphasized that the measures revolve around three guiding principles: enhancing scientific research, fulfilling legal obligations with improved communication, and building collaborative partnerships. Key actions include:
1. Strengthening the Scientific Foundation
- Appoint an internal EPA PFAS Coordinator to oversee cross-agency coordination.
- Develop a PFAS testing strategy under Section 4 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to collect scientific data based on hazard profiles and exposure pathways.
- Enhance air emission monitoring technologies to address gaps in PFAS detection and control.
- Annual updates to the PFAS Destruction and Disposal Guidelines to evaluate the effectiveness of existing treatment technologies.
2. Legal Compliance and Public Communication
- Establish Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELGs) for PFAS manufacturers and metal-processing industries to reduce chemical discharges into drinking water systems.
- Restrict PFAS use and emissions under the Clean Water Act and TSCA, holding polluters legally accountable.
- Launch emergency investigations and interventions for PFAS contamination under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
- Advocate for congressional action to list PFAS in the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI), clarifying corporate environmental responsibilities.
3. Building Collaborative Networks
- Partner with state and tribal governments to assess PFAS risks and develop mitigation strategies.
- Accelerate cleanup of contaminated sites, prioritizing the protection of drinking water supplies.
- Support local enforcement to penalize illegal PFAS discharges.
- Solicit public input on biosolid risk assessments to refine future policies.
The announced measures represent the first phase of the EPA’s PFAS response plan. The Administrator’s office noted that additional policies and cross-agency collaboration efforts will be unveiled in the coming months.
Further Information
