Overview

• The EPA announced plans to rescind drinking water limits for three PFAS compounds, including GenX, and a mixture of PFAS chemicals, citing the need for further review.
• Standards for PFOA and PFOS, two widely recognized toxic PFAS, will remain at 4 parts per trillion, but water utilities now have until 2031 to meet compliance requirements.
• Environmental groups have criticized the rollback, calling it a public health setback, while water utilities and industry groups welcomed the extended compliance timeline.
• The Biden-era rule, introduced in 2024, was the first federal standard for PFAS and aimed to protect millions from health risks such as cancer and low birth weight.
• The EPA plans to propose a revised PFAS rule this fall and finalize it by spring 2026, raising legal and procedural questions under the Safe Drinking Water Act.