In brief
Environmental advocates fear possible rollbacks of current PFAS regulations and lead pipe replacements under Trump's anticipated leadership.
With President-elect Donald Trump preparing to take the reins, attention is shifting to the future of clean water regulations in America. Public health experts are particularly concerned about "forever chemicals," or PFAS, which are present in tap water for many Americans. Trump’s selection of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary has raised alarms, especially given Kennedy's stance on public drinking water regulations. Previously, President Biden mandated the removal of six types of PFAS from drinking water due to their associations with serious health risks, like cancer. The decision drew the ire of chemical companies which are expected to request a rollback as Trump assumes power. Advocates worry that essential protections for safe tap water could be weakened, leading to public outrage. Erik Olson from the Natural Resources Defense Council highlighted the potential backlash, saying, “I think people are going to be very upset, saying: ‘Look, I didn’t vote for toxic chemicals in my water.’” The fate of our drinking water is on the line as the upcoming administration takes shape.
