Nevadans fighting for clean water are criticizing the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to roll back Biden-era rules on PFAS, the toxic compounds commonly known as “forever chemicals.”

PFAS are found in a variety of household and industrial products. The federal government wants to narrow rules on four PFAS substances, arguing the rulemaking process was legally flawed. It also would give companies and water agencies two additional years to comply with rules on two other chemicals.

Maria Doa, senior director of chemical policy for the Environmental Defense Fund, said the federal government is putting profits ahead of public health.

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“They're extremely bad,” Doa said. “They cause so many different harms to the body at extremely low levels. And the other thing is, many of these PFAS build up in your body and stay there for a long time.”

A 2023 study from the University of Nevada, Reno analyzed water samples from 15 lakes and 10 rivers in Nevada and found the highest levels of contamination near wastewater treatment plants or training sites where firefighting foam was used.

On Tuesday, the EPA announced it is making nearly $9.5 million available in grants to Nevada to test for PFAS and address contamination.

PFAS have been used in many industrial and consumer products, and studies have linked the chemicals to cancer, liver and thyroid disease, and developmental issues in unborn children.

Doa said the rollback is evidence that the Trump administration favors big business.

“This is part of a coordinated approach,” she said. “A lot of the people at EPA are former chemical industry people who are integral to rolling back these regulations.”

A map published by the Environmental Working Group lists PFAS levels over the legal limit in water systems near Fernley and Reno, and identifies seven military sites across Nevada where PFAS has been detected.

The EPA is taking written comments until July 20 at regulations.gov. The agency also is holding a virtual public comment hearing July 7.