Photo: Stephanie Keith / Getty Images News / Getty Images
Congressman Pat Ryan, representing New York's 18th District, has voiced strong opposition to the Trump administration's plan to relax limits on "forever chemicals" in drinking water. Ryan, a Democrat from Gardiner, has already introduced two bills in Congress aimed at combating the dangers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are linked to health issues like heart disease and certain cancers. He believes that the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposal would threaten Americans' right to clean drinking water.
The EPA, under Administrator Lee Zeldin, announced plans to address PFAS across various sectors, including water, air emissions, and waste. The agency aims to prevent further PFAS contamination through the Clean Water Act and develop guidelines for PFAS manufacturers. However, the specifics of these plans remain unclear, and Ryan is concerned about the potential weakening of existing limits on PFAS in drinking water.
Ryan's criticism is part of a broader concern about the administration's approach to environmental regulations. He argues that the proposed changes could undermine public health protections and has called for stronger measures to ensure safe drinking water for all Americans. As the EPA plans to implement these actions, Ryan and other lawmakers are likely to continue advocating for stricter regulations on PFAS to protect public health.