A toxic chemical problem facing New York drinking water and agriculture could get worse if the federal government relaxes environmental regulations, according to health and environmental advocates
The Trump administration and the Environmental Protection Agency plan to roll back contamination levels for PFAS chemicals, commonly known as “forever chemicals.” The toxic compounds, which stem from the manufacturing of non-stick cookware, clothing, and other consumer products, previously led to spikes in cancer and other chronic illnesses in areas such as Hoosick Falls, Newburgh, Long Island, and New York City. Those health crises originally forced cleanups and the implementation of strict regulations.
US Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer is fiercely criticizing EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and the administration, calling the proposal a direct threat to public health.
“Lee Zeldin used to warn New Yorkers about the dangers of PFAS. Now he is giving polluters permission to dump more of these cancer-causing forever chemicals into our drinking water," Schumer said in a statement. "That is not just hypocrisy. It is a betrayal.”
The rollback would directly impact local communities, as these forever chemicals have already been detected in several Central New York water systems and local farm soils. If finalized, it would relieve corporate manufacturers, farms, and local water systems from the legal and financial responsibility of installing clean-up equipment. Supporters of the rollback frame it as economic relief for these entities, but public health advocates and environmental defenders warn that relaxing the safety standards will directly lead to a rise in cancer cases and other chronic illnesses.
Schumer emphasized that millions of New Yorkers already know firsthand the damage that PFAS contamination inflicts on a community.
"Lee Zeldin is doing exactly what polluting industries want: weakening the rules, lowering the guardrails, and making it easier for corporations to contaminate our water while families pay the price," Schumer said.
"PFAS pollution has already done enough damage in New York... Zeldin and Trump must abandon this disastrous plan now.”