EPA Adds Microplastics, Pharmaceuticals to Contaminant List

The Trump administration moved to add microplastics and pharmaceuticals to the EPA's draft Contaminant Candidate List for the first time.

“EPA moves to designate microplastics and pharmaceuticals as contaminants in drinking water EPA moves to designate microplastics and pharmaceuticals as contaminants in drinking water The Environmental Protection Agency proposed Thursday to include microplastics and pharmaceuticals on a list of contaminants in drinking water for the first time, a step that could lead to new limits on those substances for water utilities”

AP News

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin called it a historic step for the MAHA movement.

AP News

The listing does not impose regulations but sets the stage for further research.

Environmental advocates offered mixed reactions.

Sherri Mason called it an important first step, while Katherine O’Brien called it theater.

Bridge Michigan

Seven governors, including Gretchen Whitmer, offered bipartisan support.

Adding substances to the list triggers a process, but does not guarantee regulation.

“How do microplastics and pharmaceutical medications affect the safety of the nation’s tap water”

CNN

The EPA has five years to decide whether to regulate at least five contaminants.

Critics questioned whether the EPA would ever place limits given its recent push to roll back regulations.