Indiana's environmental agency would prioritize certain PFAS chemicals

The agency would be barred from basing a decision mainly on federal risk values that have not gone through federal rulemaking. It would have to avoid values at or below background levels. The provisions would apply to decisions by Indiana's Department of Environmental Management. A “decision” includes standards, permits, enforcement actions, and cleanup levels. If enacted, these provisions would take effect July 1, 2026.

The agency would focus on state-prioritized PFAS chemicals when PFAS chemicals are relevant to its work. This focus would apply to relevant agency duties, including research, outreach, testing, and risk communication. One part of the definition covers chemicals with a specified structure that are likely to persist, can build up, and face federal drinking water limits. A separate part includes PFOA, PFOS, and their salts. Gases and substances that become gases in use are excluded. If enacted, this provision would take effect July 1, 2026.