EPA Decides Not to Regulate Perchlorate in Drinking Water (3)

The EPA won’t set national drinking water standards for perchlorate, a rocket fuel chemical, a decision expected to result in litigation against the agency.

The Environmental Protection Agency acknowledged perchlorate can affect human health by interfering with the thyroid gland, but said the chemical doesn’t appear in enough public water systems, or at high enough levels, to cause concern.

The agency’s decision (RIN:2040-AF28), announced Thursday, will become final once it is published in the Federal Register.

“Our state partners deserve credit for their leadership on protecting public health in their communities, not unnecessary federal intervention.” EPA Administrator Andrew ...