EPA’s Move to Revise PFAS Regulations Sparks National Debate
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is drawing attention with its recent plans to lessen restrictions on PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” found in drinking water. This development has become a focal point at the National PFAS Conference held at the University of Arizona, where experts and activists are gathering.
“Bringing people from different states together about how they tackle these issues in their states might be perhaps our most powerful contribution at a time when the federal laws are a little bit more difficult,” explained Paloma Beamer of the University of Arizona, who co-chairs the event. This gathering has highlighted widespread dissatisfaction among attendees regarding the inadequacy of federal and state responses to PFAS contamination.
Julia Varshavsky from Northeastern University expressed frustration, stating, “They know better. … They know better because the science has been there for many years. They know better, let’s make them do better.”
PFAS substances have been associated with health issues, including certain types of cancer. Avi Kar of the Natural Resources Defense Council emphasized the necessity for policy changes, noting, “People can take steps in their own lives to reduce exposures to some degree, but at the end of the day, when it’s so widespread, we need policy solutions.”
Tucson has been notably impacted by PFAS contamination, attributed to the use of firefighting foams at Davis Monthan Air Force Base. These chemicals have also been detected in various public water systems across the state. As attendees shared similar challenges faced in their communities, it was noted that over the past year, the EPA has reduced its Office of Research and Development and suggested curtailing federal drinking water protections.
Gretchen Salter from Safer States, an alliance of environmental health groups, highlighted the grassroots efforts to combat these regulatory changes. “So we are seeing an assault really on public health. But what’s happening is that you have communities like this that are fighting back,” Salter remarked.
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