Zeldin’s EPA moves to shield utilities, shift PFAS costs to polluters
(UI) —The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a new set of actions aimed at tackling PFAS contamination across the country, according to a statement by Administrator Lee Zeldin.
The plan includes appointing a dedicated agency lead for PFAS, developing new effluent limitations guidelines (ELGs) to control PFAS discharges into water systems, and initiating enforcement actions under existing environmental laws. EPA also plans to work with Congress and industry to create a liability framework ensuring polluters bear responsibility for cleanup costs.
“I have long been concerned about PFAS and the efforts to help states and communities dealing with legacy contamination in their backyards,” Zeldin said. “We are tackling PFAS from all of EPA’s program offices... and this is just the start.”
The initiative is part of Zeldin’s “Powering the Great American Comeback” platform, which includes goals to improve air, land and water quality while advancing permitting reform and interagency coordination.
Among the priorities:
- Increasing PFAS testing under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
- Updating PFAS destruction guidance annually.
- Creating ELGs for PFAS manufacturers and metal finishers.
- Exploring enforcement under the Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act.
- Supporting state and tribal cleanup efforts and enforcement coordination.
The agency emphasized that more actions are expected throughout the administration’s term. The announcement builds on EPA’s 2019 PFAS Action Plan and prior community engagement events held across the country.
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