EPA finalizes 2031 PFAS compliance extension; NRDC and Earthjustice challenge under SDWA anti-backsliding provision

The Trump EPA finalizes a rule extending the PFOA and PFOS compliance deadline from April 2029 to 2031 and removing PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, and GenX from the mandatory drinking water rule. NRDC and Earthjustice, serving as intervenors defending the original 2024 rule in federal court, argue the final rule violates 42 U.S.C. § 300g-1(b)(9) — the Safe Drinking Water Act's anti-backsliding provision, which requires any revision to a drinking water standard to "maintain, or provide for greater, protection of the health of persons." An oral argument before a federal appeals court was held January 20, 2026.