PFAS: federal outreach plus state move

The Environmental Protection Agency is rolling out a new PFAS drinking-water push as New Mexico gives itself new power to force cleanup of PFAS firefighting foam. (epa.gov) (env.nm.gov) PFAS are a large class of synthetic chemicals that resist heat, grease, and water, which is why they have been used in products from nonstick coatings to aqueous film-forming foam used on fuel fires. The chemicals are often called “forever chemicals” because they can persist in water, soil, and the human body for years. (epa.gov 1) (epa.gov 2) On April 14, EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Jess Kramer announced “PFAS OUTreach,” or PFAS OUT, saying the agency will work with communities and water systems to reduce exposure to PFOA and PFOS before federal compliance deadlines arrive. EPA said the effort will focus on technical assistance and outreach, especially for smaller and rural systems. (epa.gov 1) (epa.gov 2) That federal move sits alongside the EPA’s 2024 drinking-water rule for six PFAS, including PFOA and PFOS, which set the first nationwide limits for those chemicals in public water systems. EPA said in 2025 it would keep the maximum contaminant levels for PFOA and PFOS while seeking more time and flexibility on other parts of the rule. (epa.gov 1) (epa.gov 2) EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said on April 16 that Congress should pass new PFAS legislation because current law does not clearly ensure that polluters, rather than water customers, bear cleanup costs. He made the case at Semafor World Economy in Washington, where he tied PFAS policy to a broader fight over liability and cleanup funding. (semafor.com) (epa.gov) New Mexico moved on a different front this week. The state Environmental Improvement Board voted unanimously to classify aqueous film-forming foam containing PFAS as hazardous waste once it has been discharged, making New Mexico the first state to take that step, according to the New Mexico Environment Department. (env.nm.gov) (abqjournal.com) The change gives the New Mexico Environment Department direct authority to order investigation and cleanup from parties that released the foam, including at airports and military sites where the product has long been used for fuel-fire training and emergencies. State officials said the rule is aimed at shifting cleanup responsibility to polluters. (env.nm.gov) (yahoo.com) The two actions show the split in how PFAS policy is moving in 2026: the federal government is emphasizing drinking-water compliance and asking Congress for sharper liability tools, while at least one state is using its own waste rules to move faster on cleanup authority. For communities near contaminated wells, bases, and airports, the next fight is less about whether PFAS are a problem than who pays to remove them. (epa.gov) (semafor.com) (env.nm.gov)