The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a new series of initiatives to address Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) contamination, led by Administrator Lee Zeldin. The outlined actions include appointing an agency-wide PFAS lead, developing new effluent limitations guidelines (ELGs), and working with Congress and industry to establish a clear liability framework ensuring that polluters, not passive receivers, are held accountable.
The EPA’s strategy is designed to support the "Powering the Great American Comeback" initiative, specifically advancing clean air, land, and water goals, as well as permitting reform and cooperative federalism. According to Administrator Zeldin, “With today’s announcement, we are tackling PFAS from all of EPA’s program offices, advancing research and testing, stopping PFAS from getting into drinking water systems, holding polluters accountable, and providing certainty for passive receivers.”
Strengthening Science and Testing
To bolster scientific understanding, the EPA will implement a PFAS testing strategy under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Section 4, improve air emissions data collection, and develop new PFAS detection and destruction methods. Updates to PFAS Destruction and Disposal Guidance will now occur annually instead of every three years.
Regulatory Action and Compliance
EPA’s regulatory actions will include developing ELGs for PFAS manufacturers and metal finishers, expanding the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) listings for PFAS, and enforcing Clean Water Act and TSCA provisions to prevent new contamination. The agency also plans to utilize the Safe Drinking Water Act for immediate endangerment cases and prioritize risk-based reviews of new and existing PFAS chemicals.
Building Partnerships and Supporting Cleanup
The EPA will advance remediation efforts for contaminated drinking water supplies, assist states and tribes with enforcement actions, and finalize the biosolids risk assessment following public comments. The agency also plans to support state petitions on PFAS air quality issues and ensure thorough investigations into violations.
Administrator Zeldin’s focus on PFAS dates back to his time in Congress, where he helped form the PFAS Congressional Taskforce and supported the PFAS Action Act. His leadership continues to emphasize the need for a "polluter pays" model, reflecting concerns that local utilities—and ultimately consumers—should not bear the costs of legacy contamination.
Background
During the Trump Administration’s first term, the EPA initiated its first-ever PFAS Action Plan, following a National Leadership Summit and a series of nationwide community engagement events. These efforts laid the groundwork for a comprehensive, cross-program approach to tackling PFAS contamination across the United States.