"An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule putting polluters on the hook to clean up toxic “forever chemicals” was upheld in court on Tuesday despite an industry challenge.

The rule in question formally designates two specific forever chemicals, called PFOA and PFOS, as “hazardous substances.

That gives the EPA more authority to investigate sites that have been contaminated with these chemicals and hold polluting companies liable for cleanup costs under the nation’s Superfund law.

The rule was put forward under the Biden administration and was also backed by the Trump administration. It faced a court challenge from various industries which argued that the EPA did not adequately consider the costs of its action."

Rachel Frazin reports for The Hill August 18, 2026. [2]