According to a report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released in 2025, the Department of Defense (DoD) has significantly delayed the cleanup of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as 'forever chemicals,' at numerous military installations across the United States. The GAO found that the DoD had not met its own deadlines for investigating and remediating contaminated sites, with many bases still in the preliminary assessment phase.
The delays stem from a combination of factors, including insufficient funding, a lack of available treatment technologies, and the complexity of addressing contamination that has spread beyond base boundaries. The DoD has acknowledged the issue but maintains that it is committed to protecting human health and the environment, while also noting that some delays are due to the need for more thorough site investigations.
PFAS are linked to various health problems, including kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, and developmental issues. The contamination has affected drinking water supplies near bases, prompting lawsuits from affected communities and environmental groups. The GAO report recommends that the DoD develop a more comprehensive and transparent plan to accelerate cleanup efforts.
In response, the DoD has requested additional funding in its fiscal year 2026 budget to address PFAS cleanup, but critics argue that the pace remains too slow. The issue has drawn bipartisan attention in Congress, with lawmakers pushing for stricter deadlines and more robust oversight.
