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New data shows 176M exposed to ‘forever chemicals’ as Trump EPA rolls back drinking water limits JR Culpepper March 10, 2026 WASHINGTON – About 176 million people in the U.S. drink tap water contaminated by the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS, according to new test data released by the Environmental Protection Agency. That’s four million more Americans exposed to PFAS in drinking water than EPA found in previous tests. The total keeps moving closer to EWG’s 2020 estimate that PFAS is in the water of 200 million Americans.At the same time as the known number of exposed people has gone up, the Trump administration is moving to roll back federal limits designed to protect their drinking water.  The 2.3% increase underscores the seriousness of the intensifying PFAS contamination crisis. It also makes the EPA’s plan to weaken drinking water protections even more alarming. “The EPA’s own data proves the known extent of PFAS contamination is getting worse,” said David Andrews, Ph.D., acting chief science officer at the Environmental Working Group. “In 2020, we estimated PFAS were in the water of 200 million Americans. This new data confirms what we feared: PFAS are widespread in Americans’ drinking water,” he added. “Yet the Trump administration is preparing to abandon protections by rolling back limits on four PFAS that can be detected in water. Delaying, weakening or abandoning PFAS limits is a public health betrayal.”The EPA’s new findings come from tests of the nation’s drinking water supply conducted as part of the Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, or UCMR 5, which requires U.S. water utilities to test drinking water for 29 individual PFAS compounds.Protections under threatIn 2024, the EPA finalized first-time limits on six PFAS in drinking water.In a reversal last May, the EPA announced plans to roll back limits on four PFAS – GenX, PFBS, PFNA and PFHxS – leaving those chemicals unregulated. The agency plans to retain the standards for the two most notorious chemicals, PFOA and PFOS, at 4 parts per trillion. But it also wants to extend the compliance deadline to 2031. The limits, called maximum contaminant levels, or MCLs, set enforceable standards for the amount of contaminants allowed in drinking water. The EPA’s plan to reverse the four MCLs also likely contradicts an anti-backsliding provision in the Safe Drinking Water Act. That law requires any revision to a federal drinking water standard to “maintain, or provide for greater, protection of the health of persons.”“The EPA is abandoning science-based protections at the exact moment its own tests prove we need them most,” said Melanie Benesh, EWG’s vice president for government affairs. “This isn’t just a regulatory rollback. It’s a deliberate exposure of American families to chemicals linked to cancer and other serious health issues,” she added.Americans are experiencing a crisis of confidence in chemical safety. About 70% of U.S. adults fear for the safety of family members’ exposure to chemicals in drinking water, according to a new national survey by Pew Charitable Trusts. More than four out of five people, or 83%, believe the government must do more to protect people from harmful substances. Widespread PFAS pollution Even if the PFOA and PFOS MCLs remain in force, scrapping the four other limits will make it harder to hold polluters responsible for endangering millions of Americans by releasing toxic forever chemicals into U.S. waterways. The EPA’s toxicity assessments of GenX and PFHxS — replacements for PFOA and PFOS — found that exposure to even extremely small doses could similarly pose serious health risks.  If finalized, the EPA’s new rule would no longer enforce limits on GenX and PFHxS in tap water.EWG estimates nearly 30,000 industrial polluters could be discharging PFAS into the environment, including into sources of drinking water. Restrictions on industrial discharges would lower the amount of PFAS ending up in drinking water sources.“Addressing the problem of widespread drinking water contamination means stopping chemicals at the source. For PFAS, that’s industrial sites, chemical plants and any manufacturers unnecessarily using these chemicals in consumer products,” said Andrews. Health risks of PFAS exposurePFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because once released into the environment, they do not break down, and they can build up in the body. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has detected PFAS in the blood of 99% of Americans, including newborn babies. Very low doses of PFAS have been linked to suppression of the immune system. Studies show exposure to PFAS can also increase the risk of cancer, harm fetal development and reduce vaccine effectiveness. For over 30 years, EWG has been dedicated to safeguarding families from harmful environmental exposures, holding polluters accountable and advocating for clean, safe water.“Consumers should be able to get clean water straight from the tap,” Andrews said. “With 176 million people now exposed to PFAS in their drinking water, government regulators must step up to ensure utilities have the resources to remove these toxic forever chemicals. Safe, clean drinking water should be guaranteed.”“While the cost of removing PFAS from drinking water should not fall on consumers, there are home filters that can help,” he added.For people who know of or suspect the presence of PFAS in their tap water, a home filtration system is the most efficient way to reduce exposure. Reverse osmosis and activated carbon water filters can be extremely effective at removing PFAS. EWG researchers tested the performance of 10 popular water filters to evaluate how well each reduced PFAS levels detected in home tap water. ###The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action. Areas of Focus Water Toxic Chemicals PFAS Chemicals Four million more Americans than previously known are drinking PFAS-contaminated water Press Contact JR Culpepper jr.culpepper@ewg.org (202) 779-9990 March 10, 2026

Scientists have found that Antarctica’s ice loss is increasing rapidly, mirroring the melting of its northern counterpart, Greenland.

California appeals court sides with CPUC, utilities in serious blow to rooftop solar Anthony Lacey March 10, 2026 SACRAMENTO – The California Court of Appeal has dealt a major setback to rooftop solar, siding with the California Public Utilities Commission and the state’s three monopoly electric utilities in a closely watched case.The March 9 ruling affirms the court’s prior decision that also backed the commission, or CPUC, and the power companies. That ruling upheld the CPUC’s policy that sharply scaled back the state’s rooftop solar incentive program, known as net energy metering, or NEM 3.The following is a statement from Environmental Working Group Senior Vice President for California, Bernadette Del Chiaro:We are extremely disappointed in the Court of Appeal’s decision on remand from the state Supreme Court. Instead of looking at this case with fresh eyes and doing the due diligence of reading and interpreting the statute, the Court of Appeal rushed to judgement, siding with the pro-utility CPUC and its utility allies. We may have just set the clocks forward an hour but this decision sets California back a decade when it comes to building a clean energy future. It isn’t just Washington, D.C., setting us back on energy affordability and reliability. California is providing more than its fair share of unforced errors.EWG, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Protect Our Communities Foundation appealed the original Court of Appeal ruling to the state Supreme Court.In August 2025, the California Supreme Court sided with the groups, finding the lower court gave the CPUC too much deference. The groups argued in recent briefs that the CPUC policy violated state law, but the Court of Appeal has now reaffirmed its original decision. ###The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action. Areas of Focus Energy Utilities Renewable Energy California Press Contact Alex Formuzis alex@ewg.org (202) 667-6982 March 10, 2026

New California bill would require diaper manufacturers to fully disclose chemical ingredients JR Culpepper March 9, 2026 SACRAMENTO – A bill introduced today aims to give parents and caregivers a clearer picture of what’s in the diapers they trust for their infants and toddlers every day. Assembly Bill 1901 would, if enacted, require manufacturers of children’s diapers sold, distributed or manufactured in California to fully disclose their ingredients on the product’s packaging and online.The California Diaper Ingredient Disclosure Bill addresses growing concerns about the chemicals and other ingredients in diapers, many of which are linked to serious health and environmental risks. AB 1901 was authored by Assemblymember Mark Berman (D-Menlo Park) and is co-sponsored by the Environmental Working Group, Consumer Reports and Children Now. “As a new dad, I have a new appreciation for how important it is for parents to make informed decisions when it comes to the health and wellness of their children,” said Berman.“We all want the best for our children, but the lack of transparency around diaper ingredients prevents us from knowing what ‘the best’ is when buying the one thing that is touching our baby’s skin every minute of their lives for years,” he said. “I’m proud to author AB 1901 to give parents greater transparency into what chemicals are in their children’s diapers so that they can make the right choice for their family,” Berman added.Newborns and toddlers especially vulnerable to chemical exposures Babies’ thin, delicate skin and constant contact with diapers makes them particularly susceptible to their health risks. “Chemical exposure during the most critical window of infant development can trigger a lifetime of health challenges,” said Susan Little, EWG’s California legislative director. “Despite these high stakes, a lack of transparency allows diaper manufacturers to keep their ingredients secret, forcing parents into a guessing game,” she added.Recent test results show many diapers are made with ingredients that can cause health and environmental problems, including phthalates, which are linked to hormone disruption, and bleaching agents, which can cause skin and respiratory irritation. Volatile organic compounds, also often used in diapers, can include hazardous air pollutants like toluene and xylene, which are associated with respiratory and other health harms. “Parents shouldn’t have to worry about potentially harmful chemicals in baby products, especially diapers. However, manufacturers are not required to be fully transparent with that information,” said Gabe Knight, senior policy analyst at Consumer Reports. “This bill would help ensure that parents and caregivers have the information they need to make informed decisions about which products are best for their baby. “Consumer Reports is pleased to support this bill and commends Assemblymember Berman for his work on this issue,” Knight said.Certain wetness indicators and colorful designs may contain harmful compounds, heavy metals and dyes that can cause allergic contact dermatitis. “Children, especially infants and toddlers, are not little adults. They are more susceptible and experience more significant health impacts from exposures to environmental health hazards than adults,” said Cara Cook, M.S., R.N., deputy director of the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments. “Infants and toddlers are especially vulnerable to harmful chemicals, because their bodies and skin are still developing. Unfortunately, some diaper ingredients and chemicals, such as phthalates, are linked to health risks in children,” she added. Diapers can also use “undisclosed “fragrance,”  an umbrella term that obscures many potentially harmful chemicals used in scent mixtures. Cotton and other raw materials used to make diapers can contain pesticide residues. “Nurses and other healthcare professionals care for infants whose skin is exposed to diapers around the clock,” said the CEO of American Nurses Association, California, Marketa Houskova, DNP, RN. “Manufacturers should fully disclose all ingredients used in these products so families and clinicians can make informed decisions to better protect children’s health,” she said.Commonsense solution to a transparency void AB 1901 would help families make more informed purchasing decisions about products that sit directly against a baby’s skin. If it becomes law, AB 1901 would set a January 1, 2028, deadline for the manufacturer of any children’s diaper sold, distributed or manufactured in California to list intentionally added ingredients publicly online. They would also have to provide details about the function or purpose of each ingredient.  One year later, the company would be required to disclose complete ingredient information online. After that, diapers that didn’t comply would be banned in the state. Record of transparency making baby products saferCalifornia has already shown that sunlight lowers the hazards of ingredients in baby products.After the state required public disclosure of heavy metal tests results of baby food in January 2025, manufacturers responded by reducing contamination levels in many product categories. AB 1901 applies that same principle to diapers while giving parents and caregivers more informed choices. “Parents and caregivers should be able to feel confident about the products they choose to keep their babies and toddlers clean and dry,” said Ted Lempert, Children Now’s president. “AB 1901 is a ‘pro-kid’ bill that makes transparent information about diapers easily accessible, so families can make informed choices for their little ones.” California a national leader If enacted, AB 1901 would be a first-in-the-nation law requiring such full diaper ingredient transparency. AB 1901 follows a 2023 New York law that requires on-label disclosure of diaper ingredients. “Stronger regulation and full disclosure are needed, and that’s why this bill is so important to protect children's health,” said Little. “California has the chance to lead the nation and provide an online and on-package disclosure model for other states by passing AB 1901.” ###The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has a mission to create a fair and just marketplace for all. Widely known for our rigorous research and testing of products and services, we also survey millions of consumers each year, report extensively on marketplace issues, and advocate for consumer rights and protections around safety as well as digital rights, financial fairness, and sustainability. CR is independent and nonprofit.Children Now harnesses collective power to achieve transformational and systemic results for California’s kids as one of the country’s most impactful kids’ nonprofits. Led by experienced policy and government relations teams spanning health, education, early childhood, child welfare, and a range of other areas, Children Now learns from kids and families where they need support and lift up solutions to policymakers with the power to act.  AB 1901 would inform parents about chemicals linked to environmental, health risks Press Contact EWG Press Team press@ewg.org(202) 667-6982 March 10, 2026

Lamont’s 2025 Research as Art exhibit provides a platform for scientists to share their research in a creative way.