Zeldin proposes withdrawing four PFAS compounds from EPA drinking water rule and extending PFOA compliance to 2031

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announces a proposal to remove PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, and GenX chemicals from the 2024 mandatory drinking water rule, effectively eliminating enforceable limits for those four compounds. Zeldin simultaneously proposes extending the PFOA and PFOS compliance deadline from April 2029 to 2031, citing cost burdens on water utilities. NRDC and Earthjustice argue the rollback violates the Safe Drinking Water Act's anti-backsliding provision (42 U.S.C. § 300g-1(b)(9)), which prohibits weakening any drinking water standard once finalized.