The Environmental Protection Agency has announced plans to weaken federal regulations on PFAS, so-called “forever chemicals” found in waterways across the country.
The move could have direct implications in southern Arizona, where PFAS have been found in lakes and rivers near military bases. Waterways near Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson have historically tested high for the chemicals, the result of military firefighting foam used at the installation. The EPA’s rollback would weaken federal testing for PFAS.
Maria Doa, senior director of chemical policy for the Environmental Defense Fund, said the compounds have been linked to cancer and could threaten Tucson’s drinking water…