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North Carolina agencies oppose EPA plan to rescind many PFAS standards
Summary
DEQ told the science advisory board that EPA proposed to retain only PFOA and PFOS in drinking‑water rules while repealing other PFAS standards; DEQ said it submitted opposing comments and warned of 'backsliding' that could impede state protections.
At the Secretary of Science Advisory Board meeting, the NC Department of Environmental Quality said it had submitted comments opposing an EPA proposal that, in DEQ’s characterization, would retain only PFOA and PFOS among PFAS drinking‑water standards and roll back other adopted constituents.
"We as a department have commented opposing that move," DEQ Deputy Deputy Secretary Sushma Maisemore said, adding that North Carolina urged EPA to maintain regulatory certainty rather than creating a vacuum that could delay state actions. DEQ staff framed the proposal as procedural in part—EPA saying earlier steps were not followed—but said the effect could be regulatory "backsliding."
Board members noted large sets of written comments and congressional letters referenced during public comment periods opposing the EPA step. DEQ also highlighted related federal activity: pending Clean Water Act effluent guidelines and a proposed EPA monitoring rule (UCMR‑6) that would add more short‑chain PFAS, including PFMOAA, to required drinking‑water monitoring between 2027 and 2031.
DEQ said it will continue to press for expedited federal standards and use existing state tools and consent‑order authorities to protect communities while federal processes continue.
