The Pentagon has been slow to address the issue of “forever chemicals” (PFAS) contaminating water around military bases across the United States. These chemicals have been linked to numerous health problems, including cancer and decreased immune response. Despite congressional pressure and growing concerns, the Defense Department has been criticized for its lack of urgency in cleaning up the contamination. Cleanup costs have also surged, estimated at $38.7 billion by 2022, while funding for cleanup efforts hasn’t matched the scale of the problem, leaving communities affected by PFAS contamination in a state of uncertainty.

Best Coverage: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/12/21/pentagon-pfas-forever-chemicals-military-bases/71992575007/