The Trump administration’s recent withdrawal of a critical PFAS regulation marks a devastating blow in the fight to protect our health and water from toxic “forever chemicals”—here’s why we must demand stronger action now. Action Alert!
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THE TOPLINE
- The Trump administration’s EPA withdrew a proposed rule to regulate PFAS discharges from chemical manufacturers, jeopardizing efforts to curb contamination of drinking water affecting millions.
- Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are linked to severe health issues, including cancer and developmental disorders, and their persistence in the environment makes them a growing global threat.
- We need a full ban on PFAS chemicals as a class to prevent ongoing pollution and protect public health, rather than relying on ineffective piecemeal regulations.
The ongoing struggle to address PFAS contamination took a significant step backward recently when the Trump administration’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) withdrew a critical proposal. The proposed rule aimed to regulate the discharge of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—commonly known as “forever chemicals”—from the chemical manufacturing sector, a key source of PFAS contamination in our water supply. This decision, which occurred just before the plan could be publicly released, signals a troubling setback in efforts to protect public health and the environment from the growing PFAS crisis.
The Danger of PFAS and the Withdrawal of Protections
PFAS are a group of over 16,000 chemicals used in everyday products for their water- and stain-resistant properties, such as nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, and even cosmetics. While these chemicals are useful, their persistent nature means they do not break down in the environment, contaminating water, soil, and air across the globe. More alarmingly, PFAS have been linked to severe health issues, including cancer, birth defects, liver and kidney disease, and developmental problems in children.
Despite mounting evidence that exposure to PFAS poses an urgent public health risk, the EPA’s action (or lack thereof) continues to undermine efforts to limit this contamination. The proposed rule, which would have set discharge limits on PFAS from chemical manufacturing plants, was a necessary step toward curbing this widespread pollution. Its withdrawal leaves millions at risk, further exacerbating a crisis that has already affected the drinking water of 95 million people in the United States alone.
The Need for a Comprehensive Ban on PFAS
While the withdrawal of the PFAS discharge rule is a significant setback, it also highlights the urgency of advocating for a more comprehensive approach to tackling PFAS contamination. The piecemeal regulatory strategies, which focus on individual PFAS compounds, are insufficient and allow industry players to simply shift to new, unregulated forms of PFAS. This lack of a unified strategy enables the perpetuation of PFAS contamination, putting public health at risk.
ANH-USA has long advocated for a bold, comprehensive ban on PFAS chemicals as a class, rather than dealing with them on a case-by-case basis. A complete ban would prevent further contamination and protect the health of future generations. Any effort to truly “Make American Healthy Again” must address the environmental contaminants that undermine our health.
Together, we can advocate for a future free from the dangers of PFAS, ensuring cleaner water, healthier communities, and a safer environment for all.
Action Alert! Write to Congress and the EPA today, urging them to implement a comprehensive ban on PFAS chemicals to protect public health. Please send your message now to make a difference. Please send your message immediately.
