Local businesses in southwestern Maine are voicing concern about government overreach by the state Legislature to regulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) [36c673d8]. The businesses argue that the current one-size-fits-all approach to PFAS regulation is impractical and burdensome [36c673d8]. They are calling for an amendment to the current ban that moves toward a more common-sense prioritization, which evaluates the risk associated with each use of PFAS [36c673d8]. The state Legislature in Maine is considering changes to the existing mandates for PFAS regulation, which are seen as overly burdensome [36c673d8]. Responsible management, according to the businesses, should involve a risk assessment for each use of PFAS, rather than a blanket ban [36c673d8]. This concern about PFAS regulation in Maine businesses comes as the state is grappling with the issue of PFAS contamination in its water sources [36c673d8]. PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been linked to various health problems, including cancer and reproductive issues [36c673d8]. The state's first-in-the-nation ban on PFAS has been seen as a proactive step to protect public health and the environment [36c673d8]. However, businesses argue that the current regulations are too strict and do not take into account the specific risks associated with each use of PFAS [36c673d8] [67d85aa7].
Chemical manufacturers in the U.S. are also urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to expedite its processes and reduce delays in regulatory filings [8016ba65]. The delays in filing documents and the variability of response times from the EPA are causing disruptions in the supply chain and affecting manufacturers' ability to deliver products on time [8016ba65]. These delays are also leading to frustration among customers, who are considering sourcing materials from other countries with more predictable systems [8016ba65]. The EPA's slow processes are hindering manufacturers' ability to support government incentives, such as the CHIPS Act, which aims to encourage semiconductor chip manufacturing in the U.S [8016ba65]. The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has launched a coalition called Manufacturers for Sensible Regulations to address the impact of the current regulatory onslaught from federal agencies [8016ba65]. According to a survey by NAM, manufacturers spend significant time and resources complying with federal regulations, and the regulatory burden is negatively impacting their outlook and ability to invest and grow [8016ba65].
Concerns have also been raised about EPA regulations that could potentially impact medical devices and American manufacturing [f5bf7871]. House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Environment, Manufacturing, & Critical Materials Subcommittee Chair Bill Johnson (R-OH) have announced a hearing to address the potential negative impact of recent EPA regulatory actions on the U.S. chemical sector [f5bf7871]. The hearing aims to discuss the potential harm to the economy, hindered innovation, and the possibility of pushing manufacturing overseas [f5bf7871]. The proposals could undermine the expansion of America's manufacturing base and affect the production of semiconductors, cars, medical devices, sterilization processes, and technologies critical to national security [f5bf7871] [36c673d8] [8016ba65].
A new study reports the harmful effects of toxic PFAS chemicals on a wide range of wildlife species [67d85aa7]. The study found that PFAS exposure in wildlife can lead to suppressed immunity, liver damage, developmental and reproductive issues, nervous and endocrine system impacts, and gut microbiome/bowel disease [67d85aa7]. The study calls for immediate action to remediate PFAS-contamination sites and regulate industrial chemicals to protect threatened and endangered species [67d85aa7]. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic fluorinated chemicals that have been manufactured globally since the 1950s [67d85aa7]. They are used in various products such as food packaging, clothing, plastics, furniture, electronics, and firefighting foams [67d85aa7]. PFAS are persistent in the environment and bioaccumulate up the food chain, posing a threat to wildlife [67d85aa7]. The study found that more than 600 species are at risk from PFAS exposure [67d85aa7]. Despite the growing evidence of harm to both humans and wildlife, national governments have done little to restrict the use of PFAS or remediate pollution [67d85aa7]. The study highlights the need for better protection of wildlife from chemical pollution as the global wildlife and biodiversity conservation crisis deepens [67d85aa7] [8016ba65].
The Department of Defense (DoD) has warned that losing access to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) would greatly impact national security [f3060290]. PFAS are used in various sectors, including defense, renewable energy, electronics, healthcare technology, and transportation [f3060290]. The DoD report emphasizes the critical role of PFAS in providing required performance for military technologies and consumable items [f3060290]. The report urges lawmakers and regulators to consider the environmental and health risks associated with different PFAS chemicals, their importance to the economy, and the availability of alternatives [f3060290]. The American Chemistry Council advocates for science-based policy solutions and warns that overly broad restrictions on PFAS could hinder defense capabilities and industrial competitiveness [f3060290]. The council also expresses concerns about the proposed restrictions by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its potential impact on the chemical industry's investment in the United States [f3060290] [8016ba65].
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has expressed concern over the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) rulemaking on per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in municipal water systems [98b72367]. NAM argues that the EPA's standards are not feasible and will hinder manufacturers' ability to invest, innovate, and create jobs in the US [98b72367]. The proposed regulations will lead to higher prices for various products and make it more difficult to produce equipment for the military [98b72367]. NAM is exploring options to reverse the decision and address the regulatory burden on manufacturers [98b72367]. Recently, NAM criticized the EPA's final formaldehyde analysis issued on August 20, 2024, claiming it sets an unachievable standard that could effectively ban formaldehyde, a crucial manufacturing material [2ecfed6]. The analysis maintains a threshold of 11 parts per billion, significantly lower than Europe's limit of 300 parts per billion. NAM argues that the report, released without review from the EPA's Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals, overlooks existing safety protocols in manufacturing. They urge the EPA to reissue the evaluation for further review and public comment [2ecfed6].
Thermo Fisher Scientific is experiencing a surge in demand for PFAS testing as government regulations on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances increase worldwide [4bd6e4fb]. The company has been offering comprehensive PFAS analysis for over a decade and can detect the presence of PFAS, as well as other substances, down to parts per trillion [4bd6e4fb]. Manufacturers may need to analyze their PFAS exposure to remain compliant with regulations, and Thermo Fisher's testing capabilities can help them establish a baseline and review data retrospectively [4bd6e4fb]. Thermo Fisher recommends a judicious approach to PFAS regulation, considering the unknowns and the difficulty and expense of implementing remediation solutions [4bd6e4fb]. The company is collaborating with organizations working on alternatives to PFAS and is optimistic about the outcomes [4bd6e4fb].
Research conducted by Molly Frazar Lahey, Ph.D., has shown that electrically charging certain filtration materials can increase their ability to remove PFAS from water [7cc91283]. Lahey developed a low-cost filter using hydrogels that can absorb PFAS from water [7cc91283]. The charged hydrogels could remove the majority of PFAS in a sample in about two hours, much more quickly than activated carbon [7cc91283]. This research provides a promising avenue for improving PFAS filtration and addressing the contamination of water sources [7cc91283].
New studies underscore the health hazards of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in plastics, such as bisphenols, phthalates, and PFASs [6dcc9f12]. These chemicals are linked to severe health issues, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes [6dcc9f12]. The cost of diseases associated with plastic pollution is estimated at $340 billion annually in the U.S [6dcc9f12]. Efforts in North Carolina have revealed widespread plastic contamination, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to managing plastic pollution [6dcc9f12]. Stricter regulations are necessary to reduce exposure to EDCs, protect public health, and alleviate the economic burden of related diseases [6dcc9f12].
Environmental advocacy groups in Florida have filed a petition urging the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set water-quality standards for toxins that cause toxic blue-green algae blooms [38f2bf2a]. The coalition argues that Florida has not adequately addressed the issue and ignored water-quality laws [38f2bf2a]. The petition calls for numeric limits and standards for harmful toxins known as 'cyanotoxins' to protect human health and wildlife [38f2bf2a]. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in Florida currently only tests waters when blooms are visible, but cyanotoxins can be present even when blooms aren't seen [38f2bf2a]. The EPA recommended criteria for two common cyanotoxins in 2019, but the DEP has not adopted them [38f2bf2a]. The petition highlights the flaws in Florida's water quality management systems and the need for federal standards to meet the Clean Water Act requirements [38f2bf2a].
It remains to be seen how the state Legislature in Maine and the EPA will respond to the concerns raised by local businesses, chemical manufacturers, and the study on wildlife [36c673d8] [8016ba65] [67d85aa7] [f3060290] [98b72367] [4bd6e4fb] [7cc91283] [6dcc9f12] [38f2bf2a] [2ecfed6c]. As the debate continues, it is clear that finding a balance between protecting public health, supporting local businesses, streamlining regulatory processes, safeguarding wildlife, and ensuring national security will be key challenges for policymakers in Maine, Florida, and at the federal level [36c673d8] [8016ba65] [67d85aa7] [f3060290] [98b72367] [4bd6e4fb] [7cc91283] [6dcc9f12] [38f2bf2a].