EPA’s Perchlorate Regulatory Process Continues

With all of the ongoing discussions on lead and algal toxins and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), one can forget that perchlorate is working its way through EPA’s regulatory development process, albeit with some assistance from litigation by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Based on the 2016 court decree from the case – Natural Resources Defense Council vs. United States Environmental Protection Agency, EPA was to propose the perchlorate regulation by October 31st.

EPA has requested a six-month extension for the proposal deadline, and the Court and NRDC are reviewing and evaluating this request. As of Tuesday (11/5), the next steps in the process are that NRDC will file a response no later than November 16th, and EPA will file a reply, if necessary, no later than November 30th.