A collection of 17 environmental groups, led by Earthjustice, is lobbying the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reject the fast-track approval of a new polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) fluid proposed by chemical giant Chemours for use in data centers.
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First reported by the Guardian, the coalition accused the company of bad science to downplay the chemical’s toxicity and climate risks. In a formal comment, the coalition warned the EPA that approval of the application would violate the law.
PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are man-made chemicals that resist heat, water, and grease, and do not break down easily in nature or within the human body.
According to the coalition, the proposed chemical, known as Opteon 2P50, could be more toxic than claimed in the application and requires thorough vetting rather than a fast track permit.
