EPA proposes federal exemption framework to extend PFOA/PFOS MCL compliance deadline from April 26, 2029 to April 26, 2031

EPA issued a proposed rule to retain the PFOA and PFOS maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) while creating a federal exemption framework under SDWA that would allow eligible public water systems additional time to comply—extending the compliance deadline from April 26, 2029 to April 26, 2031 for systems that request the exemption. Compliance teams at public water systems and primacy agencies should evaluate eligibility criteria and documentation needs, update project timelines and capital planning assumptions, and consider participating in the public comment process.