The incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump is being asked by congressional Republicans and industry groups to review regulations issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) governing per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS remain in the environment without breaking down and have been linked to negative health impacts. Senator Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV), incoming chair of the Senate Environmental and Public Works Committee, has sought exemptions for industries that may receive PFAS but are not responsible for their creation, such as water and wastewater utilities.

PFAS regulation has been a concern for the commercial real estate industry because many industrial properties will need to comply with existing regulations. NAIOP held a webinar in August on PFAS, and it was a topic of a NAIOP Development Magazine article in September dealing with the potential liability exposure for property owners. NAIOP will continue to work with Congress and the incoming administration to ensure that the concerns of the real estate industry are considered.