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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed major amendments to the 2024 National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR) for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the form of two proposed rules published on May 20, 2026. The proposals would extend compliance deadlines while preserving enforceable limits for two PFAS compounds, PFOA and PFOS, and rescind drinking water standards for four additional PFAS compounds.

In “EPA Proposes Major Changes to PFAS Drinking Water Rule,” Cara M. MacDonald and our PFAS team explain why the proposals mark a significant shift from the Biden administration’s April 2024 PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation, which established nationwide enforceable standards for drinking water for six PFAS compounds.

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State regulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) continues to accelerate in 2026, with Minnesota and Maine leading the charge. As PFAS regulation from the federal government has slowed, states have driven a complex and rapidly evolving compliance landscape that affects manufacturers and retailers across industries. Regulated entities must brace themselves for initial reporting deadlines, with Minnesota’s first compliance deadline looming on September 15, 2026. In their recent update on Minnesota’s efforts, Cara MacDonald and the PFAS team unpack the latest developments, deadlines and implications.

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On May 12, 2025, 3M announced an agreement with the State of New Jersey to resolve two sets of legal liabilities related to PFAS contamination: (1) all claims that the company is currently facing or has faced related to PFAS contamination at Chambers Works manufacturing facility in Salem County, NJ and (2) all present and future PFAS-related claims that the State of New Jersey has (or may have in the future) against 3M.

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Data centers use various chemicals that have recently been the focus of regulatory efforts at the federal and state level. The historic or future use of these chemicals may create liabilities, obligations, or new costs for both existing and planned data centers.

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The question is not whether Wisconsin will act on PFAS—but who should pay the bill. As Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers rolls out a sweeping plan to tackle per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination statewide, Republican lawmakers are doubling down on legislation that could exempt polluters and passive receivers from financial responsibility.

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Recently, Congress allocated approximately $17 million in EPA’s fiscal year 2025 budget to modernize outdated technical systems and accelerate chemical reviews which may help resolve ongoing concerns about the functionality and security of the agency’s Central Data Exchange (CDX), a key platform supporting the TSCA program (Sec. 1801(7) of H.R. 1968).

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New York and California have recently imposed sweeping prohibitions on the sale of apparel containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These prohibitions have a broad scope and are effective and enforceable as of January 1, 2025. Clothing companies and their suppliers will be impacted by these state regulations.

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With 2024 winding down and a change of presidential administration imminent, it is worthwhile to consider the state of EPA’s efforts to regulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). In this connection, EPA recently released its third annual Progress Report on the Agency’s 2021 PFAS Strategic Roadmap. This most recent report, which comes in the waning months of the Biden administration, highlights key EPA accomplishments in addressing PFAS over the past year and identifies areas for continued action in the months and years to come. However, it remains to be seen whether the second Trump administration will follow through on these action items.

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With appropriations settled until December 20, Congress now has one other piece of “must-pass” legislation to address: the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA authorizes the activities of the Department of Defense (DoD) for the following fiscal year and the legislation has passed on a bipartisan basis for over 60 consecutive years. Included in the House and Senate NDAAs are different provisions concerning PFAS that will need to be reconciled prior to passage.

In Bipartisan Legislation Presents Opportunity for Passing PFAS Laws, colleagues Aimee P. Ghosh and Amaris Trozzo provide an overview of the PFAS provisions that may or may not be included in the final bill.

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A lawsuit filed earlier this year highlights potential PFAS liability exposure for fertilizer manufacturers, especially those that produce biosolid-based products. Five Texas farmers have sued Synagro Technologies, alleging that high levels of PFAS in the company’s biosolid-based fertilizers contaminated their water, soil and livestock. The lawsuit alleges that Synagro knew about the presence of PFAS in its fertilizers and failed to warn product users about the adverse health effects associated with exposure to PFAS.

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