This bill extends the prohibition on the use of class B firefighting foam containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by fire departments in New Jersey, delaying the enforcement date to January 1, 2027. The bill amends existing law to clarify that, starting two years after the effective date of the act, no person shall use or sell such foam, with specific exceptions for federal requirements and certain facilities, such as oil refineries and petroleum terminals, which may continue using PFAS-containing foam under defined conditions. Additionally, the bill mandates that any use of this foam must be reported to the Commissioner of Community Affairs, and it outlines strict containment and disposal measures to prevent environmental contamination.

Furthermore, the bill appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Environmental Protection to support a grant program aimed at reimbursing municipalities for the costs associated with replacing PFAS-containing firefighting foam with compliant alternatives. This funding is intended to assist local fire departments in transitioning to safer firefighting practices while adhering to the new regulations set forth in the bill.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 56:8-229