Government Affairs Brief

The Trump EPA is holding off on making any definitive moves regarding Biden-era PFAS regulations as it awaits the appointment of a new PFAS lead. According to a spokesperson from EPA, the agency will not comment on how the administration intends to address PFAS contamination until the new appointee is in place—though it remains unclear who that will be or when they will begin. This decision signals that PFAS may continue to be a priority, even if the new administration attempts to roll back the landmark CERCLA designation, drinking water rule, and other policies.

During remarks at a March 24 meeting, Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) reaffirmed her push for bipartisan legislation to exempt passive receivers of PFAS contamination from Superfund liability. While past negotiations stalled with Democrats in the previous Congress, Capito has long indicated her support and has renewed her case for addressing the issue. Additionally, she further indicated that upcoming legislative proposals will likely address PFAS destruction technologies as well as reinitiate efforts to establish a consistent, narrower federal definition of PFAS.

On March 21, ILTA hosted an Energy Evolution webinar featuring Troy Bredenkamp, Executive Vice President of Public Policy, and Justin Schultz, Director of Environment, Health & Safety at the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). The webinar featured a conversation with Troy and Justin about how the current administration and Congress are influencing policies affecting the renewable fuels market, RFA’s outlook on key opportunities and challenges, and how the association’s members are adapting to changes that also impact bulk liquid storage, handling, and distribution.