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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedSeptember 3, 2026Miami-Dade

Former EPA officials report Trump administration stalled PFAS wastewater survey

The Trump administration reportedly halted a planned study intended to identify which industries discharge PFAS, or 'forever chemicals,' into wastewater systems. This action prevents regulators from gathering data on the sources of these chemical contaminants.

EPAPFASwastewaterenvironmental regulationwater quality
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Why It Matters

The delay limits the ability of environmental regulators to track and manage the release of chemicals into public water systems, which affects the information available for future water safety policies.

Key Facts

  • The Trump administration stalled a study regarding PFAS in wastewater.
  • The study was intended to help regulators identify which industries discharge PFAS.
  • Two former EPA officials involved in the study's development provided the information.
  • PFAS are commonly referred to as 'forever chemicals' due to their persistence in the environment.

Who's Mentioned

personKelly Ryerson“Activist with the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement”personRobert Wood“Former director of the engineering and analysis division in the EPA’s Office of ”personDavid Andrews“Chief science officer at the Environmental Working Group”organizationEnvironmental Protection Agency“Federal agency responsible for environmental regulation”organizationTrump administration“The administration accused of stalling the study.”personBetsy Southerland“Former leader of the EPA’s Office of Water”organizationNational Association of Clean Water Agencies“Industry group representing public wastewater agencies”personCynthia Finley“Director of regulatory affairs at the National Association of Clean Water Agenci”personAnne Tavalire“State official working on PFAS reduction in Michigan”organizationOffice of Management and Budget“White House office responsible for reviewing agency proposals”organizationEPA“The Environmental Protection Agency, the agency responsible for the study.”personStuart Shapiro“Former OMB staffer and dean at Rutgers University”organizationAP“Associated Press, the news organization reporting the story.”