The EPA estimates that about one in four people in the United States (70 to 94 million) have tap water contaminated with toxic “forever chemicals” (PFAS) at levels exceeding the drinking water standards that the EPA proposed for six of them in 2023. That is troubling, since these chemicals can be extremely toxic at very low doses and highly persistent in the environment and our bodies. Now the EPA needs to finalize those proposed rules ASAP. President Biden had promised during his campaign and soon after taking office that it was a priority for his administration to issue PFAS drinking water standards.
The EPA delivered a copy of its final rules to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval on December 15, 2023. The OMB’s 90-day review period, authorized by an executive order, expires on March 15, 2024.
The chemical industry, U.S….