Understanding the EPA’s PFAS Shift: What It Means for Utilities and Public Health

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced a step forward in regulating PFAS—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—also known as “forever chemicals.” The plan outlines a revised approach that could reshape both the financial and regulatory landscape for PFAS mitigation efforts.

Among those offering insight is James L. Ferraro, Jr., who was recently quoted in multiple publications, including The New Lede for his legal perspective. Representing numerous public water systems in high-stakes PFAS litigation, James spoke to the practical realities these systems face in adapting to evolving regulations—and the potential cost implications behind the EPA’s move. Additionally, chemical companies have faced legal action for allegedly contaminating water supplies and neglecting to warn about the dangers of their products. PFAS water contamination lawyers play a crucial role in these cases, assessing contamination impacts, negotiating settlements, and securing justice and compensation for affected clients.

A Cautious Welcome From Utilities Amid PFAS Contamination

The EPA’s updated PFAS framework is part of a broader effort to protect public water supplies from toxic chemicals linked to serious health conditions, including cancer, birth defects, and immune system disruption. However, this latest proposal also shifts some of the regulatory approach, including how and when certain PFAS violations are handled.

As Mr. Ferraro  noted in The New Lede, many utilities are “cautiously applauding” the change—not necessarily because it solves the PFAS crisis, but because it could bring some financial relief. For years, water systems have faced the difficult challenge of managing costly PFAS contamination with little assistance. These updates could pave the way for stronger legal grounds to hold polluters accountable for the adverse health effects linked to PFAS. PFAS manufacturers have played a significant role in this contamination, leading to numerous lawsuits and settlements. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to severe health implications, including various forms of cancer and hormonal disruptions. Contaminated drinking water continues to pose a significant public health risk, affecting millions of Americans.

“This isn’t about lowering standards,” Ferraro said. “It’s about making sure the people responsible for contamination aren’t allowed to pass the costs on to the public.”

A Divide in the Public Health Community Over PFAS Exposure

While water systems may welcome the financial implications, not everyone is convinced the new policy will go far enough.

Health advocates interviewed in the same article expressed concern that the EPA’s approach could be too lenient in practice—potentially delaying or weakening enforcement. They fear that while the proposal outlines bold limits on PFAS in drinking water, the implementation process could allow loopholes or soften the impact through exemptions, extensions, or enforcement delays.

Their concern is rooted in the long-standing reality of PFAS: it accumulates in water, contaminated soil, and human bodies over time, often without immediate symptoms. This contamination can lead to serious health issues, including various forms of cancer. PFAS chemicals are known for their persistence in the environment and human body, making them particularly dangerous. By the time contamination is identified, the damage may already be done. That’s why public health experts are urging the EPA to prioritize urgency and transparency in any final policy.

Where Ferraro Law Fits In

At The Ferraro Law Firm, we have been deeply involved in PFAS-related litigation for years. We represent public water systems, municipalities, and communities across the country that have been affected by environmental contamination—including PFAS exposure.

What sets our approach apart is our focus on litigation that targets the source of the problem: manufacturers who knowingly allowed toxic substances to enter the environment without warning the public or regulators.

As the legal landscape around PFAS evolves, we help clients:

• Understand how changing EPA rules affect their legal standing
• Pursue compensation for cleanup, infrastructure upgrades, and long-term harm
• Navigate the complex web of federal, state, and local environmental law

Our team stays closely engaged with developments in federal regulation, including the EPA’s PFAS updates, to provide clients with proactive legal support and guidance.

Looking Ahead: PFAS Water Contamination Lawyers

Whether you see the EPA’s announcement as a step forward or a missed opportunity, one thing is clear: PFAS litigation is not slowing down. As more communities discover toxic chemicals in their water supplies, PFAS attorneys play a crucial role in litigation, providing legal support to victims and pursuing compensation for health impacts and damages. Legal action remains a critical tool for accountability, financial relief, and long-term change.

At The Ferraro Law Firm, we’ll continue advocating for communities affected by PFAS and pushing for policies that put people before profits. If your municipality or water system is dealing with PFAS contamination, you may have legal options to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and environmental cleanup. We offer free consultations to help you understand your next steps.

📰 Read the full article in The New Lede: “EPA’s PFAS Plans Draw Concern in Public Health Circles”

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