This is our chance to speak directly to EPA and urge them to protect our drinking water from PFAS contamination.
On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the EPA will hold a virtual public hearing on their proposal to remove federal restrictions on “forever chemicals” in our water.
During the hearing, participants will be able to provide verbal comments on one or both of EPA’s proposed rules.
This is our last chance to speak directly to EPA and urge them to protect our drinking water.
Earthjustice represents eight impacted community groups in opposing these rollbacks:
- Buxmont Coalition for Safe Water
- Clean Cape Fear
- Clean Haw River
- Concerned Citizens of WMEL Water Authority Grassroots
- Environmental Justice Task Force
- Fight for Zero
- Merrimack Citizens for Clean Water
- Newburgh Clean Water Project
Public comment helps show that communities across the country are paying attention and demanding accountability.
You do not need to be a lawyer, scientist, or policy expert to participate. Personal stories and community concerns matter.
Quick Start: How to Participate
Step 1: Register for the EPA hearing by July 1
- Speaking slots may fill up.
- The last day to register to provide comments at the hearing is Wednesday, July 1.
EPA Virtual Public Hearing
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET
Step 2: Prepare your public comment
Your public comment can be short and simple. You can:
- Read directly from prepared notes
- Speak conversationally
- Share personal concerns
- Use the talking points below
- Combine personal experience with broader concerns
Public comment is likely to be limited to just a few minutes, but even a short statement can make a difference. A good rule of thumb:
- 1 minute ≈ 150 words
- 5 minutes ≈ 750 words
Step 3: Deliver your public comment virtually
You can speak from:
- Your computer
- Your phone
You do not need to stay for the entire hearing.
During the hearing:
- You will likely wait in a virtual queue until your name is called
- Your microphone will be muted until it is your turn
- You may simply read your prepared remarks aloud
Step 4: Send us your public comment
Once you prepare your public comment, please send us a copy so we can better understand how supporters are engaging and help track participation.
We are incredibly thankful for your effort in this work. Thank you.
What EPA is Proposing
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to eliminate drinking water standards for four highly toxic PFAS. Exposure of these toxic chemicals poses severe health hazards, as PFAS are linked to serious medical problems, including cancer, infertility, and impaired fetal development.
- EPA is also proposing to allow water systems to delay compliance with the standards for two other PFAS.
Why Your Public Comment Matters
Public comment helps:
- Demonstrate widespread opposition to the tunnel project
- Build a strong public record
- Show EPA that communities are paying attention
- Elevate the experiences and concerns of people affected by the project
- Push back against industry pressure
Key Talking Points
- Millions of people across the country drink water contaminated with toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. Exposure poses severe health hazards, as PFAS are linked to serious medical problems, including cancer, infertility, and impaired fetal development.
- Who pays the price? Tens of millions of people whose drinking water is at risk — especially children, who face developmental damage from the chemicals.
- This move underscores that the Trump administration’s talk of “making America healthy again” is just empty promises and lip service. EPA needs to do their job and uphold existing protections to ensure clean, safe drinking water for all.
- I urge you to keep health-protective limits on toxic PFAS already in place, resisting industry’s efforts to eliminate the standards. We cannot go backwards by erasing protections. People deserve access to clean drinking water.
Tips for a Strong Public Comment
Make it personal.
You do not need technical expertise for your public comment to matter. You can talk about:
- Concerns about drinking water
- Why clean water matters to you
Keep it simple.
A clear and sincere statement is often more powerful than a highly technical one.
End with a clear ask.
Examples:
- “I urge you to resist industry’s efforts to eliminate these standards.”
- “EPA must protect communities, not corporations.”
- “Please enforce the existing standards.”
Sample public comment structure:
Public comment should flow like this:
“Hi, my name is [name], in [my state].
“I am concerned about [list the reasons you are personally worried — examples can include: the health of my children, contaminated sources of drinking water, etc.].
“Thank you for listening. [End with a clear ask]”
A Few Final Reminders
You are speaking on your own behalf, not on behalf of Earthjustice.
- You do not need to be an expert to participate.
- Short public comment still matters.
- Personal stories and concerns are powerful.
- Register as soon as you can before the July 1 deadline.
Thank you for speaking up for clean water and healthy communities.
Earthjustice’s Toxic Exposure & Health Program uses the power of the law to ensure that all people have safe workplaces, neighborhoods, and schools; have access to safe drinking water and food; live in homes that are free of hazardous chemicals; and have access to safe products.