Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act of 2025
Summary
The Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act of 2025 aims to regulate perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. It mandates the EPA Administrator to establish effluent limitations, guidelines, and water quality criteria for measurable PFAS. The Act sets deadlines for these actions, targeting specific industry categories and requiring monitoring of PFAS discharges.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to stricter regulations on industries that discharge PFAS, potentially reducing PFAS contamination in water sources. It could also increase costs for businesses required to implement new monitoring and treatment technologies. The EPA will be required to develop and implement testing methodologies for PFAS.
Potential Benefits
- Improved water quality and reduced PFAS contamination.
- Enhanced public health due to lower exposure to PFAS.
- Increased transparency through monitoring and reporting requirements.
- Potential for innovation in water treatment technologies.
- Grants available to publicly owned treatment works for pretreatment programs.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased compliance costs for businesses, particularly in affected industries.
- Potential for litigation and challenges to the EPA's regulations.
- Possible delays in implementation due to the complexity of PFAS regulation.
- Economic impacts on industries required to adopt new technologies.
- Potential for increased costs for consumers due to increased production costs.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) by regulating activities that affect interstate commerce through water pollution. It also aligns with the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18) by enabling Congress to enact laws needed to execute its powers. The Act delegates authority to the EPA, which is a common practice, but must be done with clear guidelines to avoid violating the non-delegation doctrine.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).