“Forever Chemicals,” Regulation & Why It Matters: What’s Happening with PFAS, Prop 65 & EPA — And What It Means For Us
What Are PFAS — & Why They’re a Concern
PFAS are a large class of human-made chemicals used in many products because they resist grease, water, and heat. www.hoganlovells.com+2US EPA+2
These chemicals are notoriously persistent (“forever chemicals”): they don’t break down easily, accumulate in the environment, and can build up in human bodies over time. US EPA+2Proposition 65 Warnings Website+2
Exposure to some PFAS has been associated with serious health risks — including cancer, developmental harm, and other chronic health issues (e.g., liver, immunological, and reproductive effects). US EPA+2Proposition 65 Warnings Website+2
PFAS are not only in water — but also in many consumer goods (non-stick cookware, stain- and water-resistant textiles, certain coating/industrial uses) — which increases opportunities for exposure beyond drinking water. Proposition 65 Warnings Website+1
Because PFAS are so widespread, even regulatory or cleanup actions that target only a few compounds may leave many more “invisible” PFAS in circulation.
What’s New: EPA, PFAS, Drinking Water, and Regulation
Recent developments have shaken up how PFAS are regulated. Highlights include:
The EPA’s 2024 move to issue the first-ever national drinking water standard for several PFAS, establishing legally enforceable limits for some of the most common PSTAS such as PFOA and PFOS, was a landmark step. US EPA+2Association of California Water Agencies+2
In October 2025, the EPA added another compound, PFHxS‑Na (a salt of PFHxS), to its Toxic Release Inventory (TRI), effective January 2026 — meaning facilities releasing PFHxS now need to report it. ChemRadar
The EPA also recently updated its rules for reviewing new chemicals, meaning any new PFAS (or other persistent/toxic chemicals) must undergo full safety reviews prior to manufacture or use. This closes some of the loopholes industries have long used to bring new PFAS into circulation under exemptions. US EPA+1
Despite these steps forward, there’s been a controversial shift: In 2025, EPA announced plans to rescind or reconsider drinking-water standards for several PFAS beyond PFOA and PFOS (including compounds like GenX (HFPO‑DA), PFHxS, and others) — effectively delaying or weakening protections. The Washington Post+4US EPA+4ChemRadar+4
Supporters of the rollback argue that compliance costs for water systems (especially small or rural ones) are high and need more time — the EPA extended deadlines until 2031 for some requirements. US EPA+1
Critics warn that this approach undermines public health protections, particularly for vulnerable communities already burdened by pollution and limited resources. NRDC+2The Washington Post+2
In short: the regulatory landscape is shifting — with movement in both positive (more reporting, new standards) and concerning (rollback of protections) directions.
What You Can Do (and What ERC Could Do)
Monitor local water and environmental data
Use newly available reporting (TRI, public water system disclosures) to map potential PFAS pollution — especially near industrial sites, wastewater discharge points, or agricultural areas.
Advocate for transparency and protective policies
Educate local decision-makers and community members about PFAS risks; push for state or municipal adoption of stricter standards (especially where federal rules may be weakened).
Raise public awareness
Publish accessible reports, hold community meetings, workshops or webinars to explain PFAS risks, safer alternatives, and how individuals can reduce exposure (e.g., testing private wells, avoiding certain products).
Partner and collaborate
Reach out to other nonprofits, researchers, local governments, and water utilities to coordinate PFAS testing, cleanup, and prevention efforts.
Prioritize research on vulnerable communities:
Focus on areas often overlooked — rural, low-income, minority neighborhoods may face greater risk but have less capacity to respond.
Why ERC’s Mission Is Especially Critical Now
Regulation of chemicals — especially complex, persistent ones like PFAS — is rarely simple or static. As we’ve seen with recent moves by the EPA to both regulate and reconsider regulations, progress can be fragile, and protections can shift with political winds.
That’s why organizations like ERC matter: we bring science, transparency, and community engagement to the conversation. We can help ensure environmental health doesn’t get sidelined — especially for those most at risk.
If we commit to research + advocacy + action, we can help steer the regulatory landscape toward stronger protections, and help safeguard water, health, and ecosystems for future generations.