Old Rules for Funding PFAS Cleanups Won’t Work: States of Play

May 14, 2026, 6:31 PM UTC

PFAS Cleanup Requires New Financial Tack

New strategies to pay for PFAS cleanups across the US are needed, state officials say, because the “polluter pays” model may not work this time, Pat Rizzuto reports.

Most states and the federal government have laws holding polluters financially responsible. But PFAS are so ubiquitous, specific responsible parties may not exist, presenting a challenge for states.

States may need to think about regionally managing small wastewater facilities that struggle to cope with the chemicals. Congress, federal agencies, and other parties should brainstorm new funding sources, perhaps something like state revolving funds, said Katrina Kessler, ...

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