Executive Summary
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed modifications to a rule requiring companies to report data on PFAS, or ‘forever chemicals.’
- The agency cited high compliance costs and difficulties for manufacturers as the reason for the proposed changes.
- The original rule was designed to gather comprehensive information on the production and use of thousands of different PFAS chemicals.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed easing parts of a regulation that requires manufacturers to report detailed information about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as ‘forever chemicals.’ The agency cited significant compliance costs and logistical difficulties faced by the industry as the primary reasons for the potential rollback.
The rule in question mandates that companies which have manufactured or imported PFAS provide the EPA with comprehensive data on the types, quantities, uses, and potential health effects of these chemicals. This information is intended to help the agency better understand the scope of PFAS use and its potential risks to public health and the environment.
In its new proposal, the EPA suggests modifying some of the reporting requirements to lessen the burden on businesses. According to the agency, stakeholders have raised concerns that the current rule is overly complex and costly to implement, particularly for smaller companies or those dealing with intricate supply chains.
Regulatory Reassessment
PFAS are a large group of chemicals used in a wide range of consumer and industrial products, from nonstick cookware to firefighting foam. They are known as ‘forever chemicals’ because they do not break down easily and can accumulate in the environment and the human body. The potential move by the EPA represents a significant shift in its approach to regulating these persistent substances, balancing data collection needs with economic impact on the industry.
