Fight for Zero Joins National Call Criticizing EPA’s PFAS Cleanup Proposal as Inadequate

COCOA BEACH, FL – Fight for Zero joined over 40 advocacy groups from across the country today in issuing a joint statement condemning the EPA’s proposed cleanup goals for PFAS contamination as insufficient to protect public health, particularly for infants, children, and expectant mothers.

The unified response comes from communities directly impacted by PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in their drinking water and groundwater—many located near military bases and industrial sites. These chemicals, used to make products resistant to water, grease, and stains, have been linked to serious health conditions including cancer, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, and pregnancy-related complications.

“The Agency's proposal is not protective of human health, particularly infants, children, and expectant mothers,” the letter states, “as it fails to incorporate critical risk factors, including placental and breast milk transfer to babies and the potential for transgenerational body burden, as evidenced by an ever-growing body of scientific research.”

EPA's Groundwater Guidelines Under Scrutiny

The EPA’s proposed Preliminary Remediation Goals (PRGs) are intended to guide cleanup levels for PFOA and PFOS, two of the most studied PFAS compounds, in groundwater used—or potentially used—as drinking water. However, the joint statement strongly objects to these proposed levels, noting that they are based on the outdated and discredited health advisory of 70 parts per trillion (ppt) and fail to account for cumulative or historical exposure.

“As communities impacted by PFAS, we object to the EPA’s use of assumptions that ignore prior exposure and fail to reflect the real-life intake risks faced by vulnerable populations,” the letter emphasizes.

According to the EPA’s own website, June 10 marked the final day for public comment on these interim cleanup recommendations, which will guide cleanup actions under major federal programs like the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

Advocates Cite Institutional Failure and State-Level Contrasts

The joint statement also criticizes the EPA’s lack of urgency and protection, pointing to the fact that several U.S. states have already adopted significantly stricter PFAS limits based on emerging health data.

“EPA’s institutional failure to protect public health is reflected in the much lower PFAS standards adopted by a growing number of states,” the groups wrote. “These states acknowledge the increased intake rates for infants and the biological effects of PFAS at even extremely low levels.”

The groups also highlight how weak federal protections have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable and under-resourced communities, compounding existing public health inequities.

A National Movement for Accountability

The joint statement was coordinated by Citizens for Safe Water Around Badger, a Wisconsin-based community organization that has been working on military-related contamination issues for nearly three decades.

Participating groups represent impacted communities from 14 states, including:

• Florida

• Alaska

• California

• Delaware

• Arizona

• New York

• Massachusetts

• New Hampshire

• North Carolina

• New Mexico

• Michigan

• Tennessee

• Wisconsin

• West Virginia

As the scientific consensus continues to build around the danger of PFAS, groups like Fight for Zero remain steadfast in demanding that cleanup efforts be based on the best available science—not outdated policies or political compromise.

“Protecting our most vulnerable shouldn’t be negotiable,” said Stel Bailey, Executive Director of Fight for Zero. “We’re calling for real accountability, real cleanup, and real protections for future generations.”

fight4zero@gmail.com