White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Releases New PFAS Strategic Plan

Following the EPA’s final rule for PFAS standards [released on April 10, 2024], the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy released a new strategic plan for continued federal research on PFAS chemicals and mitigation efforts for PFAS-contaminated drinking water. The goal is to continue research on PFAS removal technologies and increase interagency collaboration to eliminate and prevent PFAS in drinking water.

Their plan includes five (5) research & development strategies, listed below.

1. Understand PFAS exposure pathways to individuals and communities;
2. Address current PFAS measurement challenges through the development of standards, advanced sampling, and analytical methodologies;
3. Understand the toxicological mechanisms, human and environmental health effects, and risks of PFAS exposure;
4. Develop, evaluate, and demonstrate technologies for the removal, destruction, and disposal of PFAS; and
5. Identify PFAS alternatives and evaluate their human health and environmental effects.

The plan emphasizes the need to consider improved data access and federal data sharing, increased community engagement and communication, and a renewed focus on environmental justice throughout all aspects of research & development. The full strategy plan can be viewed here.