EPA details health risks from PFAS at farms

Energy & Environment

The Big Story

EPA details health risks from PFAS at farms

Food produced on farms whose land was contaminated with toxic “forever chemicals” may have health risks, according to a new draft report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The report from the EPA is focused on risks to those who live near impacted farms or who otherwise rely primarily on their products rather than for the general public.

Nevertheless, the findings are an acknowledgment from the agency that these chemicals can pose a risk through food.

In particular, the agency found potential risks from drinking milk and eating beef or eggs from contaminated farms.

It also found possible risk from drinking water sourced from contaminated groundwater or eating fish from a lake affected by farm runoff.

In particular, it found risks of cancer exceed acceptable levels.

The report is also a potential step toward action from the government to address the problem — though it will be up to the incoming Trump administration whether to act.

Read more at TheHill.com.

Welcome to The Hill’s Energy & Environment newsletter, we’re Rachel Frazin and Zack Budryk — keeping you up to speed on the policies impacting everything from oil and gas to new supply chains.

Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here.

Essential Reads

How policy will affect the energy and environment sectors now and in the future:

Biden officially designates 2 new monuments in California

President Biden has officially designated two new national monuments in California.

Full Story

New Jersey Republican says he is collaborating with Trump on new offshore wind ban executive order

Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) said Tuesday he is collaborating with President-elect Trump on an executive order that would halt the construction of new wind turbines, a frequent Trump target, off the East Coast.

Full Story

House barrels toward fight over placing conditions on California fire aid

The House is barreling toward a contentious debate over disaster relief for California as many — but not all — Republicans call for conditions to be placed on the assistance, an idea Democrats are soundly rejecting.

Full Story

Canada seeks minerals partnership with US amid tariff threats

Where President-elect Trump sees a rivalry, Canada sees a potential friend.

Full Story

In Other News

Branch out with a different read from The Hill:

2024 climate data presents a stark warning for the future

Scientists are issuing a stark warning about the changing climate after the planet reached a key warming benchmark in 2024.

Full Story

What We're Reading

News we've flagged from other outlets touching on energy issues, the environment and other topics:

Industry using ‘tobacco playbook’ to fend off ‘forever chemicals’ regulation (The Guardian)
U.S. Oil Production Is Booming. Oil Jobs Are Not. (The New York Times)
An even bigger threat is looming behind California’s fires (Vox)

On Tap

Upcoming news themes and events we're watching:

Tomorrow, Chris Wright, Trump’s pick to lead the Energy Department, will have a confirmation hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

What Others are Reading

Two key stories on The Hill right now:

Hegseth survives attacks from Democrats in testy Senate hearing

Pete Hegseth on Tuesday battled through a high-stakes Senate hearing in which Democrats sought to paint the Pentagon nominee as inexperienced, unprofessional and toxic due to allegations of sexual abuse and heavy drinking. Read more

Democrats’ hopes of derailing Trump nominees fading fast

Democrats’ hopes of defeating any of President-elect Trump’s Cabinet nominees appear to be fizzling as Senate committees prepare for the first week of hearings. Read more

Opinions in The Hill

Op-ed related to energy & environment submitted to The Hill:

Our public lands are not for sale

You're all caught up. See you tomorrow!

Check out The Hill's Energy & Environment page for the latest coverage.

Like this newsletter? Take a moment to view our other topical products here 📩

Topics

Moderate Drinking Raises Health Risks While Offering Few Benefits

A federal analysis that will shape the influential U.S. Dietary Guidelines questions alcohol’s overall benefits.
The New York Times - 2h
Far From the Fires, the Deadly Risks of Smoke Are Intensifying

Researchers see a growing health danger from the vast plumes of pollution spawned by wildfires like the ones devastating Los Angeles.
The New York Times - 1d
What to know about health risks from California wildfire smoke

CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss growing air quality concerns in Southern California as the wildfires continue to burn.
CBS News - 1d
Slender Man stabbing assailant to be released from mental health facility

Morgan Geyser, one of the two assailants in the 2014 Slender Man stabbing case, appeared in court Thursday to petition for release from a mental health facility.
ABC News - 4d
Health experts rally for ‘call to arms’ to protect children from toxic chemicals

In new paper in the New England Journal of Medicine, leading researchers to propose action to protect kids. Children are suffering and dying from diseases that emerging scientific research has ...
The Guardian - 6d
The Health Monitoring Boom Only Gets Weirder From Here

Forget going to the doctor’s office; these companies are putting the power of tracking every aspect of your health into our own hands. But do you really want to know?
Wired - Jan. 7
Details on new videos of New Orleans attacker from Meta glasses and CCTV

The FBI has released new images showing the man behind the deadly New Year's Day terror attack in New Orleans. CBS News correspondent Omar Villafranca has more.
CBS News - Jan. 6
EPA determines formaldehyde poses an ‘unreasonable risk’ to humans and must be regulated

The Biden administration has officially determined the chemical formaldehyde poses an “unreasonable” risk to human health and should be regulated. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said ...
The Hill - Jan. 3
Migrant children in US custody are at risk without key health protections

Every unaccompanied minor has the right to be treated humanely.
The Hill - Jan. 2
New details from FBI about the New Orleans terrorist attack

The FBI provided more details about the terrorist attack in New Orleans where at least 14 people died and dozens were injured. Officials now say the attacker acted alone when he left behind several ...
CBS News - Jan. 2

More from The Hill

FAFSA forms to make October release after two-year struggle

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms will be released on Oct. 1 this year, the Department of Education announced on Wednesday, hitting the normal deadline after two chaotic ...
The Hill - 1h
Nearly half of Americans skeptical Trump admin will lower health costs: Poll

Nearly half of Americans don’t believe that the incoming Trump administration will lower health costs, according to a new Gallup poll. The research, conducted after the presidential election, ...
The Hill - 1h
Jeffries: With narrow margin, House GOP can’t ‘pass anything close’ to bill Johnson floating

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) argued House Republicans, with their narrow margin, won’t be able to pass “anything close” to what Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has been floating. ...
The Hill - 2h
Here are the confirmed attendees at Trump’s inauguration

President-elect Trump’s Inauguration Day is less than a week away and he’s begun to plan who will attend various events in Washington to mark his return to the White House. Trump has invited many ...
The Hill - 2h
California Democrat hits FEMA over assistance claim denials: 'That's not right'

Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.), whose district has been damaged by the Eaton Fire, criticized FEMA for reportedly rejecting disaster assistance claims because of a lack of insurance information. "I am ...
The Hill - 3h

More in Politics

FAFSA forms to make October release after two-year struggle

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms will be released on Oct. 1 this year, the Department of Education announced on Wednesday, hitting the normal deadline after two chaotic ...
The Hill - 1h
Nearly half of Americans skeptical Trump admin will lower health costs: Poll

Nearly half of Americans don’t believe that the incoming Trump administration will lower health costs, according to a new Gallup poll. The research, conducted after the presidential election, ...
The Hill - 1h
Jeffries: With narrow margin, House GOP can’t ‘pass anything close’ to bill Johnson floating

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) argued House Republicans, with their narrow margin, won’t be able to pass “anything close” to what Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has been floating. ...
The Hill - 2h
Here are the confirmed attendees at Trump’s inauguration

President-elect Trump’s Inauguration Day is less than a week away and he’s begun to plan who will attend various events in Washington to mark his return to the White House. Trump has invited many ...
The Hill - 2h
California Democrat hits FEMA over assistance claim denials: 'That's not right'

Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.), whose district has been damaged by the Eaton Fire, criticized FEMA for reportedly rejecting disaster assistance claims because of a lack of insurance information. "I am ...
The Hill - 3h