Potential Impacts of the Newly Proposed EPA PFAS Rule to Affected Communities with Emily Donovan

Emily Donovan of Clean Cape Fear returns to the Environmental Transformation Podcast to discuss the EPA’s proposed rollback of the PFAS drinking water rules and how it potentially could impact contaminated communities like hers in North Carolina. Host Sean Grady explores the legal, regulatory, and public health stakes behind the EPA’s May 14 announcement, with Donovan providing on-the-ground insight into the movement to hold polluters accountable, protect public drinking water, and stop PFAS exposure. Thanks to our Sponsors: Cascade Environmental, E-Tank, and WASTELINQ📍 Chapters:0:00 - Intro and Emily Donovan returns2:05 - Clean Cape Fear’s 8-year mission6:40 - PFAS origins and EPA rule rollback10:10 - Anti-backslide concerns and regulatory uncertainty17:15 - Public health risks of short-chain PFAS22:00 - Who pays for clean water? Utilities, polluters, or the public27:50 - Legal action and transparency challenges32:10 - National awareness and the role of media38:45 - Partnerships with advocates like Mark Ruffalo and Keen43:10 - Final thoughts: Doing what’s right for communities🎧 Listen, learn, and join the “little army of goodness” working to end PFAS contamination.