The EPA is classifying two of the most prevalent PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ as hazardous substances under the federal Superfund law

The Biden administration on Friday moved to force polluters to clean up two of the most pervasive forms of “forever chemicals,” designating them as hazardous substances under the nation’s Superfund law. Sign up for the Climate Coach newsletter and get advice for life on our changing planet, in your inbox every Tuesday. The long-awaited rule from the Environmental Protection Agency could mean billions of dollars of liabilities for major chemical manufacturers and users of certain types of compounds known as polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. “Designating these chemicals under our Superfund authority will allow EPA to address more contaminated sites, take earlier action, and expedite cleanups, all while ensuring polluters pay for the costs to clean up pollution threatening the health of communities,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement.

The EPA’s action on Friday applies to two widely used PFAS chemicals — perfluorooctanoic acid, known as PFOA, and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, known as PFOS.

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