On February 14, 2019, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its long-awaited PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) Action Plan. The plan focuses on future federal initiatives to regulate and limit these substances. PFAS are a family of chemicals that have been used in a wide range of consumer and commercial products (such as nonstick cookware, medical garments and electronics) for decades. The chemicals do not easily break down in the environment and have been linked to health issues (including cancer). The PFAS Action Plan outlines the steps EPA has committed to pursuing:

• Drinking Water: EPA is moving forward with the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) process for PFOA and PFOS—two of the most well-known and prevalent PFAS chemicals. The Agency is also gathering and evaluating information to determine if regulation is appropriate for a broader class of PFAS.
• Cleanup: EPA continues strengthening enforcement authorities and clarifying cleanup strategies through actions such as designating PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances and developing interim groundwater cleanup recommendations.
• Toxics: EPA is considering the addition of PFAS chemicals to the Toxics Release Inventory and rules to prohibit the uses of certain PFAS chemicals.
• Monitoring: EPA will propose nationwide drinking water monitoring for PFAS under the next UCMR monitoring cycle.
• Research: EPA is rapidly expanding the scientific foundation for understanding and managing risk from PFAS.
• Enforcement: EPA uses enforcement tools, when appropriate, to address PFAS exposure in the environment and assist states in enforcement activities.
• Risk Communications: EPA will work collaboratively to develop a risk communication toolbox that includes multi-media materials and messaging for federal, state, tribal, and local partners to use with the public.

PFAS Fact Sheet: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2019-02/documents/pfas_action_factsheet_021319_final_508compliant.pdf https://www.epa.gov/pfas