Ahead of the 2026 Legislative Session, MACo is previewing some of the major issues likely to gain widespread attention amongst the General Assembly. Among them, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) remain one of the most persistent and complex environmental and public health challenges facing local governments throughout the state.

Valued for their industrial, waterproof, and nonstick properties, PFAS are used in thousands of products, from everyday household items such as water bottles, cookware, and carpets to components of modern infrastructure such as metal finishing. These synthetic substances are often called “forever chemicals” because they don’t easily break down in nature. Rather, they accumulate and persist in the environment and living organisms – even humans – for decades, leading to a wide range of serious environmental and health impacts. 

With mounting evidence of PFAS-related risks, government officials are moving to reduce public exposure through new policies and regulations. In 2024, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) mandated regular PFAS testing at county landfills while the Maryland General Assembly passed the Protecting State Waters From PFAS Pollution Act, which aims to reduce PFAS contamination from industrial sources and strengthen testing and monitoring standards. 

As previously reported by MACo, the 2025 Legislative Session featured extensive debate, particularly regarding the chemical’s presence in sewage sludge used as fertilizer. HB 909/SB 732 sought to limit PFAS concentrations in sewage sludge prior to land application, but local governments raised concerns that it shifted responsibility onto local treatment plants — which passively receive PFAS — rather than confronting the sources of contamination. 

Other proposals would have required wastewater treatment facilities to massively overhaul their operations, including installing new storage and mitigation technologies. Ultimately, the legislation did not pass in 2025, but it is expected to reemerge in some form during the 2026 session.

Moreover, the shifting federal approach to PFAS will likely impact local plans for testing, treatment technology, and public reporting requirements. A recent press release confirmed that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will retain existing federal drinking water limits for PFOA and PFOS, two major PFAS compounds, but plans to extend compliance deadlines and offer added flexibility for water systems as they work toward meeting federal standards. 

Ultimately, 2026 may prove pivotal in determining how Maryland manages PFAS. The path forward will require coordination across all levels of government to align environmental and public health initiatives with effective, practical solutions. 

For more on what lies ahead for PFAS in the 2026 Legislative Session, check out our recent Conduit Street Podcast  “Water, PFAS, and Climate Resilience: What Counties Need to Know,” featuring Assistant Secretary at the Maryland Department of the Environment, Zach Schafer.