Trump Administration Stalled PFAS Wastewater Survey, Ex-EPA Officials Say

Environment6 sourcesSep 4, 2026

SplitFactual rigor 53/100

The Story

The Trump administration stalled a survey of PFAS chemicals in wastewater, according to two former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials.

The survey, intended to identify industries discharging harmful forever chemicals into wastewater, was submitted to the White House for approval nearly two years ago during the Biden administration, a longer wait than typical. Wastewater treatment plants often receive PFAS-contaminated waste, and a nationwide survey could help pinpoint sources and inform regulations. PFAS chemicals have been linked to increased cancer risk, developmental effects in children, and vaccine resistance.

These man-made chemicals are widespread and difficult to remove from the environment. Former OMB staffer Stuart Shapiro described the extended wait as sufficiently unusual and questioned whether the OMB was intentionally delaying it. Robert Wood, former director of the EPA's engineering and analysis division, stated that identifying the top industries discharging PFAS would be for developing targeted regulations.

What they agree on

The Trump administration stalled a survey of PFAS in wastewater.
Two former EPA officials made this claim.
The survey aims to identify industries discharging PFAS.
PFAS chemicals are linked to health risks.
The survey was submitted to the White House for approval.

Where they split

The timeline for the survey's submission to the White House is specified as "nearly two years ago during the Biden administration" in one report, while another states it was submitted in October 2024.
The specific roles of the former EPA officials are mentioned in some reports (director of engineering and analysis division, former OMB staffer), while others refer to them more generally as "former agency officials."
The potential impact of identifying top polluting industries is elaborated on in some reports, detailing how it could inform regulations.
The description of the chemicals as "forever chemicals" is present in some reports but not others.

The Spread

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6 sources placed · 5 from headlines only

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The coverage 6 sources

LeftCNNCNN (opens the publisher’s site)
Center-LeftThe Boston GlobeThe Boston Globe (opens the publisher’s site)
CenterReading EagleReading Eagle (opens the publisher’s site)
CenterSemaforSemafor (opens the publisher’s site)
Center-RightChicago TribuneChicago Tribune (opens the publisher’s site)
RightLa NacionLa Nacion (opens the publisher’s site)