Second Trump term could boost toxic ‘forever chemicals’, experts warn

July 28, 2024

Read the full article by Tom Perkins (The Guardian)

"A second Donald Trump presidency would represent a serious threat to dealing with the toxic impact of PFAS “forever chemicals”, as well as other toxins, and could be a danger to the health of millions of Americans, experts and environmental campaigners warn.

For example, over the last year, the Environmental Protection Agency developed groundbreaking drinking water limits for highly toxic PFAS compounds, and designated several of the “forever chemicals” as hazardous substances, a move that will force industry to clean up its pollution. The steps represent a major win for the water quality and taxpayers, but a new Trump administration would likely shred the rules.

Statements from former Trump EPA officials, the far-right Project 2025 plan, and the Trump-allied American Chemistry Council (ACC) target those rules, but also suggest industry and a second administration’s aims are much deeper. They are proposing administrative changes designed to cripple the EPA’s ability to protect public health from chemicals like PFAS."