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

EPA proposed a rule (signed May 18, 2026 per EPA materials) to keep the PFOA and PFOS MCLs while creating a federal exemption mechanism that would allow eligible water systems additional time to comply—extending the compliance deadline from April 26, 2029 to April 26, 2031. Compliance teams should evaluate eligibility criteria described by EPA, prepare for the public comment/hearing process, and reassess implementation project timelines and interim mitigation expectations during any exemption period.