Recent Developments In The Regulation Of PFAS

In response to the growing concern regarding per – and polyfluoralkyl substances (“PFAS”), the federal government and California have taken recent actions to regulate PFAS.

By way of background, PFAS are man-made chemicals used for decades and found in many different commercial, industry, and consumer products such as non-stick cookware and water repellent clothing. PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they do not readily breakdown. PFAS are found in the soil, groundwater, and air across the United States. Studies suggest that PFAS exposure may result in adverse health effects in humans and animals. 

On October 18, 2021, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) announced its PFAS Strategic Roadmap, which set forth EPA's proposal to address PFAS. On August 26, 2022, EPA took significant action under its PFAS Strategic Roadmap by issuing its long-awaited notice of proposed rulemaking to designate two of the most commonly used PFAS