Summary
The U.S. Air Force reversed its stance on cleaning PFAS contamination in Tucson, Arizona, agreeing to partially fund treatment plants after initially refusing, citing the Supreme Court’s reversal of the Chevron doctrine.
The military had argued that Chevron’s reversal protected it from EPA orders, but this claim faced skepticism.
Under a new agreement, the Air Force will cover 50% of past and future cleanup costs, with adjustments based on ongoing responsibility assessments.
This deal addresses Tucson’s urgent water contamination issue, which threatened safe drinking water for over 500,000 residents.
My hot take:
The Air Force wanted the cleanup to happen, but they just wanted it to come out of somebody else’s budget. But since the EPA is about to not exist anymore (fuck, I can’t believe I’m saying that) they’ve got no choice but to step up themselves if they want it done.