The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this week advanced a new PFAS strategy that keeps federal standards for PFOA and PFOS while proposing changes to other drinking water rules. The move is a cautiously encouraging sign for employers because EPA is emphasizing rules that are legally defensible, practical and scientifically sound, while allowing eligible drinking water systems to seek additional time to comply.

“Manufacturers support strong environmental protections, but rules must be clear, science-based and workable,” said James Lee, managing director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA). “PFAS policy should give employers a durable compliance path, not a patchwork of overlapping mandates, shifting timelines and legal uncertainty.”

EPA is not backing away from PFAS regulation. The agency said it is continuing work on source reduction, including future wastewater discharge and pretreatment standards for key industrial categories. That makes continued engagement with OMA critical to ensure PFAS rules protect health and the environment while giving businesses clear standards, realistic timelines and certainty they can plan around. 5/20/2026