EPA Seeks to Eliminate Critical PFAS Drinking Water Protections Date: September 12, 2025 Contact: Tylar Greene, tgreene@earthjustice.org Location: Washington, D.C. Overview The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced actions to roll back crucial protections against PFAS ("forever chemicals") in drinking water. The agency filed a motion in federal court to withdraw determinations regulating four specific PFAS compounds (GenX, PFHxS, PFNA, and PFBS) and aims to extend compliance deadlines for PFOA and PFOS standards from 2029 to 2031. PFAS affect approximately 200 million people in the U.S. through widespread contamination of air, soil, and water. Key Points The EPA is seeking to reverse national legal protections established last year to regulate and limit PFAS levels in drinking water. This rollback conflicts with the Safe Drinking Water Act's "anti-backsliding" provision, which prevents weakening existing drinking water standards. The EPA asked the court to take actions it cannot do on its own by law. Earthjustice and NRDC attorneys strongly oppose the rollbacks, highlighting the health risks of PFAS exposure and the prioritization of industry profits over public health. Earthjustice represents multiple community groups in ongoing litigation defending these protections against challenges from chemical companies and water utility associations. Background on PFAS PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of synthetic chemicals used in consumer, commercial, and industrial products. Known as "forever chemicals" due to resistance to degradation, PFAS accumulate in environment and human bodies. Health impacts linked to PFAS exposure include kidney and testicular cancer, liver and kidney damage, hormonal disruption, and neurological and reproductive harm. In March 2023, EPA proposed regulation of six PFAS chemicals in drinking water. April 2024 saw final rules establishing enforceable limits on five individual PFAS chemicals and a limit on mixtures of four PFAS. Compliance deadline for water systems is set for April 2029, with monitoring and public communication requirements. Statements Katherine O’Brien, Earthjustice attorney: Criticizes EPA Administrator Zeldin for delaying and rolling back essential protections, accusing him of prioritizing industry profits over child and family health. Jared Thompson, NRDC senior attorney: Calls EPA's move an "end-run" around Congressional intent and stresses the need to defend the scientifically based standards in court. Additional Resources About the Toxic Exposure & Health Program About Earthjustice Earthjustice is a leading nonprofit environmental law organization focused on protecting health, wildlife, advancing clean energy, and fighting climate change through legal means. Their mission is rooted in the belief that "the earth needs a good lawyer." --- Related Stories & Actions Coal Ash in the United States: Addressing Coal Plants’ Hazardous Legacy How an Air Agency Is Going to Zero for Homes Power plant companies ask for permission to pollute (Take Action) The Earthjustice Lawyers Taking on the Trump Administration Court Victory for Earth’s Rarest Marine Dolphin Wins and Highlights from the Washington 2025 Legislative Session Engagement Earthjustice encourages supporters to: Donate Join Action Center Sign up for Email & Text Alerts Renew Support Become a Justice Partner Plan Legacy Gifts Visit the Earthjustice Store Access Supporter FAQs Sign Up for Updates Stay informed on environmental law accountability efforts and updates at Earthjustice Action Center. --- Social Media Follow Earthjustice on: Facebook Instagram Bluesky Threads YouTube TikTok LinkedIn --- © 2025