Maryland Attorney General joins 17 states in defending nationwide drinking water standards
BALTIMORE -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown joined a coalition of 17 states to file an appeal in defense of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Safe Drinking Water Act, which established the nation's first drinking water standards limiting the amount of PFAS - or forever chemicals.
The measure created nationwide protections against six types of polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) chemicals and set standards for four other PFAS chemicals.
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, public water systems across the country are required to test drinking water for contaminants and treat the water if necessary.
In the appeal, state leaders argued that the rule would improve public health if it is upheld.
Maryland AG Brown joined attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawai'i, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island and Wisconsin in the appeal.
What is PFAS?
PFAS chemicals have been used in many settings, including in airports and fire departments, and in products like car seats and non-stick cookware. Since they don't break down, the chemicals pollute the environment, earning them the name "forever chemicals."
PFAS chemicals are toxic to humans and animals and even minimal exposure can impact health. The chemicals often enter and accumulate in our bodies through drinking water.
According to CBS News, research found that PFAS chemicals are present in the blood of almost all Americans.
"PFAS are dangerous chemicals that cause serious health risks. This rule permits water systems across the country, including here in Maryland, to regulate and treat these harmful substances," said Attorney General Brown. "By making our drinking water cleaner, this policy safeguards the health of not only our generation but also our children and grandchildren. Our Office will fight to protect Marylanders' access to safe and healthy drinking water."
PFAS chemicals in Maryland
This is not the first time AG Brown has taken action against forever chemicals.
In December 2024, the attorney general sued manufacturing giant W.L. Gore & Associates, claiming they knowingly polluted the air and water with PFAS chemicals. The company is based in Cecil County.
According to CBS News, PFAS chemicals are sometimes used as a thin layer of waterproof material in clothes, and can be found within W.L. Gore & Associates' "Gore-tex jackets."
The attorney general's lawsuit alleged that the company released forever chemicals for more than half a century, contaminating drinking water and natural resources, including soil, plants and animal life.
In 2023, CBS News reported that the company debuted a technology that uses non-fluorinated materials, and said it plans to "transition the vast majority of its consumer portfolio by end of 2025."
The attorney general's lawsuit asks W.L. Gore & Associates to pay all costs related to the investigation and cleanup of the chemicals.
In 2024, at least 10 Harford County schools were found to be contaminated with PFAS. School officials said the water was not safe to drink, so bottled water was provided.