In a surprise move for an administration that prizes deregulation, EPA announced late last month that it would set national standards to help prevent “forever chemicals” from entering rivers, lakes and streams.
But now, the agency is eliminating the stand-alone office charged with setting those standards crucial to protecting people from the toxic chemicals, known as PFAS.
As part of a sweeping reorganization plan announced late last week, EPA will cut the water program’s Office of Science and Technology and disperse its staff among the other water teams.
The agency said the reorganization will better align regulations and policies with their scientific foundations. But some former EPA officials and public health advocates say it raises questions about the Trump administration’s pledge to control PFAS pollution.
