Trump Administration to Deregulate ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Drinking Water

U.S. EPA to drop limits on PFAs formerly regulated by the Biden administration

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States announced that it would be rescinding limits on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAs. The country’s first federal regulation on drinking water was put in place by the Biden administration in 2024 and gave companies until 2029 to comply. Under new rules announced Monday, limits on four of the six regulated chemicals will be lifted, and companies will have until 2031 to comply with regulations of the other two substances. 

PFAs are linked to many health issues, including immune suppression, kidney cancer, and developmental delays. A 2023 study found that PFAs are present in about half of the nation’s tap water, in both public water systems and private wells. Melanie Benesh, vice president for government affairs at the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, said, “We know that people are being harmed from drinking water that has these chemicals in them. There is no reason why the EPA shouldn’t continue to fight to preserve what was a really important and consequential public health action.”

Amid pushback from many MAHA (“Make America Healthy Again”) influencers, EPA administrator Lee Zeldin argued that the Biden administration’s regulation procedure was flawed. He claimed that under his supervision, the EPA will regulate PFAs “the right way, following the law and following the science.” However, many are criticizing the Trump administration’s “laser focus on eliminating regulations,” and doubts are rising about the future regulation of these dangerous forever chemicals. 

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Further reading: E.P.A. to End Some Limits on ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Drinking Water

EU considers cow manure as a solution for rising fertilizer costs

As the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran continues, the price of fertilizer continues to rise in Europe, as the majority of Europe’s fertilizers are made using gas imports. The European Commission is working on a fertilizer action plan that is focused on long-term structural reforms rather than immediate relief. The Commission is looking at recycling cow manure and additional farm waste into fertilizer. Faster options, including suspending tariffs on Russian or Belarusian imports or pausing the carbon border tax (CBAM), were ruled out for political reasons.

Farmers are becoming frustrated with the lack of an immediate solution, as fertilizer prices now surpass 2024 levels by almost 70%. José María Castilla, director of Spain’s largest farmers’ organization ASAJA, said, “European farmers cannot wait for another long-term roadmap while production costs continue to rise and European fertilizer capacity keeps disappearing.” Analysts note that fertilizers were sourced before the war began, suggesting there is no immediate crisis for this crop season. The real concern is next year’s harvest cycle. 

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Further reading: EU looks to cow manure to keep food prices down

South Africa’s Coega green ammonia project partners with Danish Topsoe energy firm

The Coega Special Economic Zone in South Africa has chosen Danish energy firm Topsoe as a partner for a green ammonia project. The plant aims to produce 1 million metric ​tons of green ammonia by 2030. Topsoe will provide around $1 billion of equipment, including electrolyser cell technology. The goal of the Coega Green Ammonia Project is to compete with Namibia, Morocco, and other African countries as demand for ammonia and hydrogen rises in both Asia and Europe. 

The ammonia produced by Coega is considered green ammonia because it is made using renewable energy. The plant, valued at $5.8 billion, is located on South Africa’s east coast and is currently in its final phase of development, with plans to conclude Final Investment Decisions by mid 2027. 

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Further reading: South Africa’s Coega green ammonia project picks Denmark’s Topsoe for $1 billion deal

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Volvo to pay nearly $197 million in California settlement

On Monday, truck manufacturer Volvo Group North America resolved allegations made by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) through a multi-million-dollar settlement. The settlement comes as CARB alleged deceptive information about the company’s 2010-2016 engines, citing emissions that exceeded the state’s regulatory limits for heavy-duty engines. While the manufacturer claims no liability, nearly $197 million will be paid out as part of the settlement deal.

Of this $197 million, $108 million will be invested in California emission-reduction projects, pending CARB approvals. Volvo will also pay $12.5 in civil penalties, and $5 million will be reimbursed to the California Air Resources Board. The remaining $71 million will be put toward CARB’s Air Pollution Control Fund. Volvo announced its intent to comply with emissions regulations, and CARB said the company cooperated with the investigation, improving emissions-control devices and making software updates for 7,200 engines.

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Further reading: Volvo Group agrees to $197 million settlement with California over excess truck emissions

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — In the Cover Photo: A water fountain in Bonelli Park Trail, San Dimas, CA, USA. Cover Photo Credit: Daniel Hooper 🌊.