EPA moves to strengthen clean water protections
Our water shouldn’t put us at risk of exposure to toxic chemicals. Thankfully, stronger federal protections against dangerous water pollutants are on the horizon.
On Sept. 8, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it will update its standards for controlling two major sources of water pollution: meat and poultry processing plants, as well as manufacturing facilities that leach toxic PFAS “forever chemicals.” Earlier in 2021, PIRG was part of a nationwide organizing effort to submit nearly 30,000 public comments urging the EPA to act quickly against PFAS contamination.
“Companies have dumped ‘forever chemicals’ into our rivers, even as these toxins have been linked to multiple types of cancer, lower fertility rates, autoimmune diseases and a laundry list of other health problems,” said Danielle Melgar, advocate with PIRG’s toxics campaigns.
“The EPA’s decision to rein in PFAS pollution is a crucial step toward safe drinking water for all.”
Topics
Authors
Aaron Colonnese
Content Creator, Editorial & Creative Team, The Public Interest Network
Aaron writes and designs materials with the Creative Team for The Public Interest Network for U.S. PIRG. Aaron lives in Arlington, Massachusetts, and spends his spare time playing drums and going for long walks.
Find Out More
Saying farewell to fluorescents
How we beat back plastic waste, took on toxic pollution and more in 2022
48,000 signers urge Columbia Sportswear to live up to its sustainability values by banning toxic PFAS
