Biden-Harris Administration Makes Unprecedented Progress to Protect Communities from PFAS Pollution

By: EPA

Nov 14, 2024

Under the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken significant steps to protect Americans from PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals." These actions are part of a comprehensive strategy outlined in EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap, which is detailed in the agency’s third annual progress report. The Biden-Harris Administration has emphasized a science-driven, whole-of-government approach, investing heavily in research, setting new standards, and implementing solutions to address PFAS contamination in water, air, land, and everyday products.

Key achievements include the establishment of the first nationwide enforceable drinking water standards for PFAS, projected to reduce exposure for 100 million people and prevent thousands of health issues. EPA is also investing $10 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to improve water treatment technologies and address PFAS contamination in Tribal and underserved communities. Additionally, the agency has designated key PFAS compounds as hazardous substances under Superfund laws, ensuring polluters are held accountable for cleanup efforts rather than taxpayers.

Beyond water protection, the EPA has advanced chemical safety measures, improved PFAS monitoring methods, and taken enforcement actions against major contributors to contamination. Efforts to reduce PFAS in products include restricting reintroduction of inactive PFAS and eliminating their use in Safer Choice-certified products. Moving forward, the EPA plans to continue its work to strengthen standards, expand research, and collaborate with states, Tribes, and local communities to safeguard public health and the environment from PFAS pollution.

For additional information, see the original article and the PFAS Strategic Roadmap.