WASHINGTON – Lengthy interagency reviews could delay actions to address the contamination crisis caused by the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS.
In particular, prolonged reviews by the White House Office of Management and Budget could jeopardize Environmental Protection Agency efforts to finalize national drinking water standards for six PFAS and to designate PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances. PFOA and PFOS are two of the most notorious and well-studied forever chemicals.
Federal agencies have already fallen behind on many action milestones promised under the Biden administration’s government-wide plan, released in October 2021, to tackle PFAS.
The Environmental Working Group’s Federal PFAS Report Card, which tracks the administration’s implementation of its PFAS agenda at the Department of Defense, the EPA and other agencies, finds that almost one-third of the planned actions slated for completion, or 24 out of 74, are overdue or only partly fulfilled.
Overdue or incomplete actions include assessing the PFAS threat from air emissions and efforts to control “upstream” industrial discharges of PFAS that threaten community drinking water supplies, as well as freshwater fish and wildlife.
“It is crucial that these deadlines be kept,” said John Reeder, EWG’s vice president for federal affairs. “Communities have waited decades for action.”
Reeder applauded the reintroduction in Congress of the PFAS Action Act, by Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Pat Ryan (D-NY), which would give the EPA legally binding deadlines for actions to tackle PFAS.
“Congress must act to keep the pressure on President Biden to honor his commitments,” Reeder said. “EWG applauds Reps. Dingell, Fitzpatrick and Ryan for continuing to make PFAS a priority.”
Reeder also applauded Congress for requiring the Pentagon to produce a schedule for cleaning up PFAS-contaminated DOD installations.
The possibility of a future government shutdown or agency funding cuts in Congress’ looming budget battles could also jeopardize PFAS action target dates, he added.
PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because they are among the most persistent toxic compounds in existence, contaminating everything from drinking water to food packaging and personal care products. They never break down in the environment, and build up in people.
PFAS are toxic at very low levels and have been linked to serious health problems, including increased risk of cancer and harm to the reproductive and immune systems.
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The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.
