As EPA tries to loosen PFAS rules, NC regulators inch toward statewide protections

January 9, 2026

Read the full article by Martha Quillin (The News & Observer)

"North Carolina environmental regulators on Thursday moved toward reducing the amount of several potentially carcinogenic “forever chemicals” being discharged into the state’s ground and surface waters.

Critics say the actions taken by the Environmental Management Commission on PFAS and 1,4-Dioxane fall short because they don’t set specific allowable limits on the chemicals; they rely largely on voluntary compliance; and they don’t establish penalties for industries that continue to pollute.

Commission Chair JD Solomon guided a lengthy discussion during the board’s January meeting in Raleigh and acknowledged there would be more work to do.

“But this is a first step,” he said."

 

Topics:

• ChemicalsPFAS
• ChemicalsPFOA
• ChemicalsPFOS
• ChemicalsGenX
• Affected community
• Health
• AgenciesEPA