Energy & Environment — EPA plans PFAS discharge limits

Presented by Clean Fuels Alliance America — The Trump administration will set limits on the amount of "forever chemicals" producers of the toxic substances can discharge into the water, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Monday.

View Online Energy & Environment Energy & Environment   PRESENTED BY  The Big Story  Trump administration plans to restrict PFAS releases The Trump administration will set limits on the amount of "forever chemicals" producers of the toxic substances can discharge into the water, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Monday. © Jake May, The Flint Journal via Associated Press The administration said it will set discharge limits for a class of toxic chemicals known as PFAS. The limitations will apply to companies that make these substances, as well as metal finishers.   In a press release announcing the move, the EPA also said it will evaluate whether additional limits are necessary to reduce releases of PFAS.   A quick refresher: PFAS, which stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, is the name of a family of thousands of chemicals that can persist in the environment for hundreds or thousands of years without breaking down. These chemicals have become pervasive in U.S. waterways and drinking water systems — as well as in humans. In 2023, the U.S. Geological Survey Determined that they were in the tap water of 45 percent of Americans. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found they are in the bloodstream of at least 97 percent of Americans. Exposure to many PFAS has been linked to adverse health outcomes including cancer, kidney and thyroid problems — as well as fertility and immune system problems. The Biden administration similarly announced in 2021 it planned to propose a rule that limited releases of PFAS — but it never actually did so.    If the Trump administration completes the rule, it will have gone further to address releases of the chemicals than the previous administration.    However, the Biden administration did take significant steps aimed at reducing Americans' exposure to PFAS. For the first time ever, it required water providers to filter out these substances.   It's not entirely clear whether the Trump administration plans to uphold the Biden-era rule, change it or eliminate it.   The press release Monday said the agency would "address the most significant compliance challenges" for drinking water systems. It did not say   Read more at TheHill.com. Welcome to The Hill's Energy & Environment newsletter, we're Rachel Frazin and Zack Budryk — keeping you up to speed on the policies impacting everything from oil and gas to new supply chains. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. A MESSAGE FROM CLEAN FUELS ALLIANCE AMERICA Essential Reads  How policy will affect the energy and environment sectors now and in the future: EPA allows high-ethanol gasoline to be used all year The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said Monday it will allow gasoline containing a higher percentage of ethanol to be used year-round.  Full Story How Trump's tariffs are snarling supply chains Despite signs of a thaw earlier this week, Washington and Beijing are locked in a standoff on tariffs, and global supply chains are feeling the pressure.  Full Story Climate change is ramping up flood risk in the Pacific Northwest: Study A powerful future earthquake, coupled with climate-driven surges in sea levels, could significantly increase flood risks in the Pacific Northwest, a study has found.  Full Story What We're Reading  News we've flagged from other outlets touching on energy issues, the environment and other topics: Massive power outage hits Spain and Portugal (The Washington Post)   EPA reups offers for staffers to quit (E&E News) A MESSAGE FROM CLEAN FUELS ALLIANCE AMERICA On Tap  Upcoming news themes and events we're watching: The House Natural Resources Committee will hold a hearing on deep sea mining. The House Armed Services Committee will hold a hearing on energy, installations and environment. The House Natural Resources Committee will hold a hearing on legislation including a bill on post-disaster reforestation. What Others are Reading  Two key stories on The Hill right now: Where Trump's major campaign promises stand after 100 days President Trump's first 100 days of his second term have seen an administration moving at breakneck speed to fundamentally alter the federal government in ways he previewed on the campaign trail. Read more Hegseth orders review of medical conditions that disqualify recruits Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wants individuals with certain medical conditions to be disqualified from joining the military, according to a new memo released Monday. Read more Opinion in The Hill  Op-ed related to energy & environment submitted to The Hill: Trump's stand against states' climate overreach is long overdue   You're all caught up. 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