Trump Administration Says It Will Combat Forever Chemicals. Maine Scientists are Skeptical.
May 4, 2025
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently unveiled a list of 21 proposed actions to address PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” but provided few concrete details, leaving experts and environmental advocates questioning the agency's direction. While the steps include limiting PFAS discharge into water systems, expanding research, and enhancing cleanup efforts, no timelines or funding were disclosed. Critics argue that these vague proposals will not meaningfully impact states like Maine, which have already taken significant independent action to curb PFAS exposure through filtration systems and legislation.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin emphasized the agency’s commitment to supporting states and fulfilling legal responsibilities, noting that the plan is a starting point. However, the absence of clarity on whether the EPA will uphold stricter PFAS limits announced under the previous administration has fueled skepticism. These standards, which would require Maine to reduce its PFAS threshold fivefold, are currently on hold pending a lawsuit by water utilities, and their future depends on how the EPA handles this legal challenge. Some Maine lawmakers, anticipating potential federal backtracking, are proposing a bill to adopt the stricter federal limit regardless of the EPA’s final decision.
Environmental experts remain cautious, especially given the EPA’s suggestion that Congress and industry collaborate to determine liability frameworks, which some interpret as a sign of regulatory weakening. Maine, which has already implemented a law requiring PFAS reporting in products and plans to ban most PFAS-containing goods by 2030, could see its progress threatened if federal policies are softened. Concerns are growing that exemptions for small businesses and importers could allow foreign-made PFAS products to slip through regulatory gaps, undermining domestic efforts to reduce contamination and exposure.
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