Read more at The New York Times

• EPA Upholds Key Rule: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decided to uphold a major rule that holds polluters accountable for cleaning up “forever chemicals” (PFAS).
• PFAS Designation: The rule designates two types of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) as hazardous substances under the Superfund law, shifting cleanup costs from taxpayers to the responsible parties.
• Health and Environmental Risk: PFAS are virtually indestructible chemicals used in many consumer products and industrial applications, and they have been widely linked to serious health risks, including various cancers and developmental issues.
• Administrator’s Role: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin upheld the rule despite internal opposition, including an effort by a former industry lawyer who holds a top post at the agency.
• Zeldin’s Background: Zeldin is a former representative from Long Island, an area particularly vulnerable to PFAS contamination in its drinking water supplies.
• Industry Opposition: Chemical industry trade groups, such as the American Chemistry Council, are challenging the rule in court, arguing that the designation is too expensive and will lead to litigation that ultimately slows down cleanup efforts.
• Agency Context: Upholding this regulation is an exception for the administration, which has generally worked to weaken dozens of other environmental rules.
• Future: The EPA must now prepare to defend the rule in court against the industry lawsuits.