NJ Moves to Protect Environmental Regulations from Trump Administration

NEW JERSEY – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced three separate legal actions intended to safeguard key federal environmental protections in the face of threats from the incoming Trump Administration. Each move is aimed at preserving science-based standards that protect the nation’s drinking water, curb pollution, and address climate change.

“New Jerseyans don’t want commonsense environmental regulations overturned in favor of industry at the expense of their families. The evidence is clear that clean air and water are key to improved health outcomes – whether that means chemicals and lead in our drinking water, smog-induced asthma attacks, or wildfires after a prolonged dry season, like New Jersey saw in November,” said Attorney General Platkin. “The fact that these environmental protections are under threat as California grapples with the enormous tragedy of the horrific fires over the past week is beyond comprehension.”

1. Defending EPA’s National PFAS Drinking Water Rule

States Involved: New Jersey (co-lead), California, Connecticut, and 15 others
What’s at Stake: Safe Drinking Water Standards on PFAS (forever chemicals)

• The 2024 EPA Final Rule sets uniform drinking water standards for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals.”
• The rule requires nationwide testing and, if necessary, treatment of public water systems to reduce PFAS levels.
• Opponents (including certain water utility associations and chemical lobbies) have filed suit, claiming the rule is unnecessary or too costly.
• Why It Matters: PFAS have been linked to cancer, immune system issues, and other health risks. These standards aim to close regulatory gaps and protect residents nationwide.

2. Intervening to Uphold Stronger Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI)

States Involved: New Jersey (lead) and 10 others
What’s at Stake: 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Improvements

• The 2024 LCRI sets faster timelines and tighter standards for replacing lead pipes, lowering the lead action level from 15 μg/L to 10 μg/L.
• Mandating that most water utilities replace lead service lines within 10 years strengthens public health protections against lead exposure, especially for children.
• The rule is being challenged by the American Water Works Association.
• Why It Matters: Lead in drinking water poses well-documented health hazards, and there is no safe threshold. The LCRI helps ensure safer water for millions of Americans.

3. Safeguarding California’s Clean Air Act Waivers for Vehicle Emissions

States Involved: New Jersey, California, 15 other states, and the cities of New York, Chicago, Los Angeles
What’s at Stake: Clean Air Act & Regulating Vehicle Emissions

• EPA Waivers have historically allowed California (and adopting states like New Jersey) to enforce stricter emissions standards than those set at the federal level.
• Two recent waivers cover the ACC II rules for higher zero-emission passenger vehicle sales by 2035, and Omnibus regulations for reducing harmful NOx emissions from heavy-duty trucks.
• A lawsuit filed by the American Free Enterprise Chamber of Commerce in the Ninth Circuit challenges this waiver process, potentially undercutting states’ rights to adopt stricter air quality measures.
• Why It Matters: Higher standards reduce greenhouse gases, improve air quality, and help combat climate change’s effects like extreme heat and drought.

“Every person across New Jersey and our nation deserves safe drinking water and clean air,” said State Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourett. “New Jersey has a long, proud, and bipartisan history of advancing public health, safety, and environmental standards to improve and protect the quality of our air and water. We have been proud to lead the nation in establishing programs to clean up our air while getting lead and synthetic chemicals out of our water and away from our kids. As a new federal administration takes shape, New Jersey will forcefully advance its work to improve and protect the public health and the environment we all share. We call on the new federal administration to maintain and expand health and environmental protections because every American deserves safe water, clean air, and a stable climate.”

Attorney General Platkin emphasizes that these combined efforts defend critical health and environmental protections as the Trump Administration prepares to reshape regulatory priorities. By filing legal briefs and seeking formal intervention, New Jersey and its coalition partners aim to maintain existing federal safeguards for cleaner water, reduced pollution, and meaningful climate action.

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