The Trump administration's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on May 14, 2025, that it would maintain drinking water regulations for two harmful chemicals known as PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, found in the drinking water of millions of Americans. However, the administration has delayed deadlines for compliance and will roll back limits on four additional PFAS chemicals.
PFAS, dubbed "forever chemicals" due to their resistance to breakdown, are prevalent in numerous everyday products, including nonstick cookware, stain-resistant carpets, and firefighting foams. Research has linked PFAS exposure to various adverse health effects, including metabolic disorders, reproductive issues, developmental delays in children, and increased risks of certain cancers.
Under President Biden's leadership, the EPA had previously set ambitious standards aimed at reducing the levels of six types of PFAS in drinking water to near zero. Biden enforced stringent limits on the two most prevalent PFAS — PFOA and PFOS — expecting water utilities to achieve these standards immediately.
In contrast, the Trump administration has chosen to uphold the limits for PFOA and PFOS but has postponed the deadline for water utilities to comply until 2031. Furthermore, it plans to repeal regulations regarding the other four PFAS chemicals, which has garnered criticism from health advocates and environmental groups.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin emphasized that while the agency is committed to protecting Americans from PFOA and PFOS contaminants, it will also provide “common-sense flexibility” in the form of extended compliance periods. The agency has vowed to utilize its regulatory powers to hold polluters accountable, although the rollback of limits raises concerns about the ongoing safety of drinking water for vulnerable populations.
