EPA says PFAS response is a priority; senators seek funding and clarity on drinking-water standards
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Summary
Administrator Zeldin told the subcommittee the agency is boosting PFAS work within the Office of Water and that recent announcements reflect actions already incorporated into agency planning; senators asked whether staffing and budget are adequate and raised concerns about reporting that a proposed PFAS drinking-water rule might be weakened.
Senators pressed the EPA administrator about the agency’s capacity and funding to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water and the broader environment.
“You’re gonna have a lot of actions ... advancing research and testing, stopping PFAS from getting into drinking water systems, holding polluters accountable,” Sen. Patty Murray said, asking whether the operating plan and budget reflect that work and whether the $10 billion in bipartisan infrastructure law funding for PFAS response is being used.
Nut graf: PFAS contamination is a frequent subject of congressional oversight. Senators sought assurance the agency has staffing and budgeted resources to implement PFAS work at scale; Administrator Zeldin said the April 28 agency announcement outlining PFAS actions is “already factored into the ... budget as before the committee today” and that the agency is “adding people into this effort inside of the office of water.”
Sen. Jeff Merkley and others raised press reports suggesting the agency may change some details of maximum contaminant levels; Zeldin pushed back on media characterizations and said the agency was following the science and the Administrative Procedure Act. Senators requested more detailed budget and staffing figures tied to PFAS work.
Ending: EPA said PFAS is a top priority and that additional staffing and program details would be provided with the agency’s full budget and reorganization plan; senators asked for written follow-ups and for confirmation of how ARPA/BIL funding is being used on PFAS remediation.