The Environmental Protection Agency has announced plans to weaken federal regulations on PFAS, so-called “forever chemicals” found in waterways across the country.

The move could have direct implications in southern Arizona, where PFAS have been found in lakes and rivers near military bases. Waterways near Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson have historically tested high for the chemicals, the result of military firefighting foam used at the installation. The EPA’s rollback would weaken federal testing for PFAS.

Maria Doa, senior director of chemical policy for the Environmental Defense Fund, said the compounds have been linked to cancer and could threaten Tucson’s drinking water.

“It’s been linked to harms to reproduction, harms to pregnant women. It’s been harmful to development associated with low infant birth rates,” Doa outlined.

While the EPA has announced the regulatory rollback at the federal level, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is continuing rigorous independent testing at the state level.

Doa argued the administration’s move is based on a convoluted legal interpretation of laws protecting drinking water. She called it a delay tactic which amounts to sidestepping federal regulations.

“The law on drinking water says you can’t do something that’s less protective, and they basically are by rescinding this,” Doa contended.

In a news release, the EPA said it is allocating $1 billion in grants to address PFAS and other drinking water contaminants in the nation’s waterways.

Source: Public News Service