Attorney General Mayes has joined a coalition in filing an amicus brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, supporting a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that establishes the first nationwide drinking water standards for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals, often referred to as "forever chemicals," are being regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
"Arizona stands with states across the nation in supporting the EPA’s efforts to establish enforceable safeguards against these toxic ‘forever’ chemicals in our drinking water," stated Attorney General Mayes. "This rule is a crucial tool in addressing the widespread and long-term impacts of PFAS, ensuring that public water systems take the necessary steps to protect our communities."
The new federal regulation expands protections by setting enforceable standards for six PFAS chemicals: PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, GenX, PFNA, and PFBS. The rule requires public water systems across the United States to test for these contaminants and treat them if necessary.
The states involved emphasize their interest in safeguarding residents' health from PFAS exposure through drinking water. Historically used in industrial and military settings and found in many consumer products like non-stick cookware and food packaging, these pollutants persist in the environment without degrading.
Decades of research have highlighted that PFAS presence in drinking water poses significant health risks. They are linked to cancer, liver damage, ulcerative colitis, among other health issues. The toxins enter drinking water systems from various sources and accumulate within human bodies over time.
In their brief, the states argue that upholding this rule would improve public health significantly. They support EPA's approach to regulating both individual contaminants and mixtures using a hazard index method along with its economic analysis and procedural compliance.
Testing has already identified thousands of contaminated sites across all states and Washington D.C. While resources such as congressional funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are available for treatment installation, further efforts are needed to secure safe public water supplies.
Attorney General Mayes has previously taken actions against PFAS contamination by holding chemical manufacturers accountable for polluting waters and natural resources knowingly.
Arizona joins several other states including Connecticut, California, New Jersey, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Oregon along with Washington D.C., reinforcing collective efforts towards this cause.