The Biden administration proposed a new rule Tuesday to limit the level of “forever chemicals” in drinking water nationwide.
The new rule seeks to limit the level of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS substances. PFAS substances are harmful chemicals that can contaminate drinking water and have been linked to serious health problems, including thyroid problems and certain types of cancer.
GREEN GROUPS BLAST BIDEN WILLOW OIL PROJECT APPROVAL AS A BETRAYAL
PFAS substances are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they can stay in soil and water permanently.
The proposed regulation would establish a national maximum contaminant level for six different types of PFAS chemical compounds.
The new rule would require water utilities to detect and reduce PFAS contamination at 4 parts per trillion and require public water systems to monitor for these chemicals.
Water systems would also be required to notify residents if their PFAS levels exceed the proposed standards.
If fully implemented, officials from the Environmental Protection Agency estimate the rule will prevent thousands of deaths and reduce tens of thousands of serious illnesses linked to PFAS contamination.
“EPA’s proposal to establish a national standard for PFAS in drinking water is informed by the best available science, and would help provide states with the guidance they need to make decisions that best protect their communities,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement.
“This action has the potential to prevent tens of thousands of PFAS-related illnesses and marks a major step toward safeguarding all our communities from these dangerous contaminants,” he said.
Last June, the EPA said that PFAS chemicals are more hazardous to human health than previously thought. The agency issued new guidance calling on local officials to take steps such as installing water filters and monitoring for and notifying residents in the event of PFAS contamination, but it stopped short of issuing a regulation.
The proposed rule is now open for a period of public comment. Barring any unexpected hurdles, the EPA said it anticipates finalizing the regulation by the end of 2023.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
The proposed rule was applauded by Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV). Capito, the top Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee, has for years urged the EPA to limit PFAS contamination in drinking water and introduced several bipartisan bills that would require them to do so.
“After years of urging three consecutive administrations of different parties to do so, I’m pleased a safe drinking water standard has finally been issued for PFOA and PFOS,” Capito said in a statement.
