On February 14, 2019, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
released an Action Plan for addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl
substances (collectively, PFAS), a group of chemical compounds that
has been linked to negative human health impacts for sensitive
populations. Although the Action Plan contains proposals aimed at
minimizing the risks surrounding PFAS, binding, enforceable,
promulgated standards are likely several years away. In the
meantime, parties with affected interests have several
opportunities to engage in advocacy and have been actively doing
so.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS are a group of related, synthetic chemicals that include
multiple fluorine atoms. PFAS have been commonly used in the United
States since the 1940s to create products including water-repellent
and stain-resistant fabrics, nonstick cookware, cosmetics, and
firefighting foam. PFAS have been nicknamed "forever
chemicals" because they break down very slowly; due to their
use in common
