The Protecting Against Forever Chemicals Act establishes stringent regulations for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in New Jersey. It requires manufacturers to notify the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) about products containing intentionally added PFAS, including details such as product description, purpose, and quantity, along with a $1,000 fee for submission. The act prohibits the sale of certain PFAS-containing products, including cosmetics, carpets, and food packaging, unless they meet specific labeling requirements. The DEP is also authorized to recommend additional product categories for prohibition based on public health risks.

To enforce these regulations, the bill outlines civil penalties for violations and grants the DEP the authority to audit manufacturers for compliance. Manufacturers who fail to notify the DEP or pay the required fees will be barred from selling PFAS-containing products in the state. The legislation allocates $5 million from the General Fund for the DEP to implement a source reduction program and conduct research on PFAS's environmental impact. It also mandates the establishment of a comprehensive monitoring program for PFAS in air, water, and soil, ensuring that proprietary information remains confidential while allowing for compliance audits. Overall, the bill aims to mitigate the environmental and health risks associated with PFAS.