The proposed bill seeks to ban the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a range of consumer products, such as carpets, cleaning products, cookware, and cosmetics, starting January 1, 2025. Manufacturers will be required to disclose any intentionally added PFAS in their products by January 1, 2026, detailing the purpose, amount, and their information. The bill also empowers the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency to create rules for additional product categories that may be prohibited and to determine exemptions for federally regulated products. Furthermore, it amends existing laws regarding class B firefighting foam, prohibiting the manufacture, sale, or distribution of foam containing PFAS unless mandated by federal law.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific regulations for the use of class B firefighting foam at airports, terminals, and oil refineries, stating that if federal requirements for PFAS in such foam are revoked after January 1, 2024, the foam will be subject to state regulations one year later. It allows a temporary exemption for terminals and oil refineries to use PFAS-containing foam until January 1, 2026, with a waiver process for extending this exemption based on the availability of alternatives. The bill also mandates annual reporting by airport operators on their transition to PFAS-free foam and includes a requirement for the Pollution Control Agency to report on PFAS in firefighter turnout gear, with recommendations for reducing PFAS use and disposal methods. The effective date for these provisions is set for January 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
2nd Engrossment: 325F.072
2nd Engrossment: 325F.072