SPRingBoard Environmental Law Podcast Episode 6: “Turning Off The Tap: The Future of PFAS Regulation Under Shifting Federal and State Laws”

In the latest episode of the SPRingBoard Environmental Law Podcast, host Ahlia Bethea guides us through a discussion on one of the most pervasive and daunting environmental threats: PFAS, the so-called “forever chemicals.”

As scientific evidence mounts and public concern grows, PFAS contamination has become a flashpoint for legal, regulatory, and equity debates across the country. Recent federal actions, such as the EPA’s first-ever national drinking water limits and subsequent rollbacks, have sparked intense discussion about the future of regulation and the role of states in filling federal gaps.

To dissect these issues, Ahlia is joined by Christine Santillana, Senior Legislative Counsel at Earthjustice, and David Ansel, Vice President of Water Protection at Save the Sound. In this episode, they explore the science behind PFAS toxicity and persistence, the evolving legal frameworks at both federal and state levels, and the practical challenges of enforcement, monitoring, and remediation. What does it mean to regulate PFAS as a class rather than one chemical at a time? How can states like New York and California lead the way? What are the implications for environmental justice, public health, and community advocacy as the regulatory landscape continues to shift?

Click HERE to listen to the full episode. The podcast is available on Spotify, iHeart, Youtube, and Amazon. Production support for this episode was provided by Charlotte Hawes, Legal Marketing Assistant at SPR.

PFAS-Free NY Website Link: https://pfasfreeny.org/