EPA proposes federal exemption framework extending PFOA/PFOS MCL compliance deadline to April 26, 2031; hearing scheduled

EPA issued a proposed rule that would retain the PFOA and PFOS drinking water maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) but create a federal exemption framework allowing eligible water systems to request two additional years to comply—extending the compliance date to April 26, 2031 (from April 26, 2029). The proposal provides for a written comment period (stated as 60 days after Federal Register publication) and schedules a virtual public hearing for July 7, 2026 (with pre-registration noted as July 1, 2026 on the EPA materials). Compliance teams at water utilities should evaluate eligibility/criteria implications and adjust PFAS NPDWR implementation schedules and capital planning assumptions pending finalization.