Microplastics Regulation: EPA Declines to Act, California Moves Forward
EPA and California took opposite approaches to microplastics regulation within weeks of each other. On July 1, 2026, EPA proposed to omit microplastics from the Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6). Two weeks earlier on June 18, California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) finalized a regulation adding microplastics to the state’s Safer Consumer […]
Governors Urge EPA to Add Microplastics to UCMR 6 Drinking Water Monitoring
Democratic governors from seven states have petitioned EPA to include microplastics in its upcoming Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 6 (UMCR 6), triggering a Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) mandate for EPA to include microplastics in the rule unless the administrator determines it “would prevent the listing of other contaminants of a higher public health concern.” […]
Proposed 2026 MSGP: Is Your Facility Prepared for PFAS Stormwater Monitoring Requirements?
EPA’s proposed 2026 Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity would require quarterly monitoring for PFAS—a significant expansion of federal stormwater compliance obligations that facilities should begin preparing for now. The MSGP implements Clean Water Act (CWA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements across 29 industrial sectors. EPA released the […]
EPA PFAS Strategic Roadmap
EPA has compiled a roadmap outlining Key Actions to address the risks posed by PFAS. The roadmap identifies key actions under TSCA and other statutes including the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and Superfund. TSCA The roadmap calls for EPA to “close the door” on abandoned PFAS; i.e., PFAS chemicals that are […]
PFAS in California’s Water Supply
Testing of California’s public water supply wells reveals that 60 percent of them contain the “forever” chemicals, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). The concentrations of these substances were higher at airports than landfills and public supply wells. One million parts per trillion were detected at airports, while landfills had 10,000 parts per trillion and public […]
Senators introduce chemical spill and water protection bill after West Virginia leak.
On Monday, Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) introduced a bill to prevent future chemical spills like the one that recently contaminated the Elk River and the drinking water for 300,000 West Virginians. The Chemical Safety and Drinking Water Protection Act of 2014 (S. 1961), cosponsored by Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), provides a […]