Plastics policy: Entering week two of Trump’s return to the White House, PFAS is front-and-center in the environmental consciousness. The Trump admin recently announced a decision to withdraw a proposed rule aimed at limiting PFAS chemicals in industrial wastewater. The move is part of a broader freeze on new federal regulations and comes alongside a change in EPA leadership, and last-minute actions by former President Biden.
The backdrop: The presidential transition marks a significant shift in environmental policy between administrations, highlighted most clearly by the nomination of Lee Zeldin to lead the EPA. Zeldin, who has advanced in the Senate confirmation process, emphasizes a balance between environmental protection and economic growth, intending to collaborate across party lines. However, his nomination has sparked debate due to his ties to oil and gas donors and his stance on PFAS regulation. Meanwhile, the Biden administration, in its final days, awarded grants to small businesses for early-stage environmental technologies, highlighting a stark contrast in priorities.
Health impact: Critics express concerns over the long-term impacts of these (and other) policy reversals on climate change and the economy. The proposed PFAS rule was initially designed to reduce toxic discharges linked to health issues, and was set to impact 13 facilities directly, but now leaves nearly 30,000 potential PFAS sources unregulated.
Looking ahead: As the new administration settles in, the focus on PFAS and environmental policy will likely continue to be explored, albeit in new ways. Waste Dive reports the Recycling Partnership’s advocacy for a recycling infrastructure investment tax credit, while ongoing debates in Congress show signs of bipartisan agreement regarding recycling initiatives. The potential for significant investments in recycling infrastructure could double the U.S. recycling rate by 2030, demonstrating that despite differences, recycling remains a critical area of focus for both administrations.
