In April 2025, we retrospectively reviewed the accomplishments under the EPA’s 2021-2024 PFAS Strategic Roadmap and highlighted key milestones. We also examined early developments from the first three months of President Donald Trump’s current term, particularly those that could influence the future of PFAS oversight.
In recent weeks, the EPA has released further updates that appear to align with the regulatory review process initiated by a Presidential Executive Order (EO) issued shortly after the President’s inauguration.
Drinking Water Standards for PFAS
The EPA confirmed on May 14, 2025, that the existing, enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL) for Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) will remain unchanged from those announced in the final rule on April 10, 2024, as part of the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR).
However, the agency signaled two significant shifts. Compliance deadlines may be extended to 2031, and a new exemption framework is being developed, though no details have been released regarding eligibility criteria or application processes.
At the same time, regulatory limits for four other types of PFAS chemicals or mixtures are being rescinded and will undergo re-evaluation through a new rulemaking process. The EPA plans to issue a new proposed rule in Fall 2025 and a new final rule in Spring 2026.
Public water systems should anticipate compliance deadlines no earlier than 2029, with possible extensions to 2031, and should closely monitor regulatory developments over the next 12 months.
New Leadership and Future Direction
On April 28, 2025, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced plans to appoint a new agency lead for PFAS, along with other initiatives to address environmental PFAS. These may include the creation of effluent limitation guidelines (ELGs) for specific PFAS chemicals. While the nominee and their responsibilities have not yet been disclosed, this appointment could provide a clearer understanding of the agency’s PFAS strategy under the current administration.
The evolving regulatory landscape underscores the importance of staying informed and engaged. We will continue to track these developments and provide updates as new information becomes available.
About the Author
Dana Coe leads Sonoma Technology’s Litigation Services Program, which delivers expert testimony and advisory services to attorneys seeking trusted, unbiased, science-based expertise. Ms. Coe oversees the Program to ensure all litigation support projects clearly communicate complex scientific issues in an accessible, useful, timely, and ethical manner. Much of her 30-year career has been dedicated to assessments of criteria pollutants, toxic air pollutants, and greenhouse gases emitted by a diverse array of sources. She has provided technical support and advice during Clean Air Act enforcement actions and settlement negotiations, including advising a midstream company in a matter concerning fugitive emissions and producing technical content for U.S. Department of Justice’s use in matters concerning motor vehicle emissions and defeat devices. Outside Sonoma Technology, she has consulted on the development of commercial-scale renewable energy projects.