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Bill limiting ‘forever chemicals’ in firefighting foam clears Senate committee
The measure would limit PFAS foam use this year and let fire companies use grant funding for disposal costs.
- The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee advanced Senate Bill 980 to the floor, restricting the manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of firefighting foam containing PFAS starting this year.
- According to the EPA, PFAS are manmade chemicals used since the 1940s that accumulate in the environment and human body, with studies linking exposure to adverse health effects.
- Lawmakers developed the legislation through years of collaboration with Firefighters, though the bill includes exemptions for facilities like airports and oil refineries where PFAS-based foam remains necessary for safety.
- Fire Company representatives may use Emergency Medical Services Grant funding to cover disposal costs, with The State Fire Commissioner and the Department of Environmental Protection overseeing the process.
- PFAS contamination represents a significant national public health challenge, and this proposal follows a commonsense approach already adopted by many states to mitigate environmental impact.
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Total News Sources23
Leaning Left5Leaning Right4Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution44% Center
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources are Center
44% Center
L 31%
C 44%
R 25%
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