Pennsylvania Lawmakers Push to Ban Toxic PFAS Chemicals

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Pennsylvania legislators are pushing for a ban on toxic PFAS chemicals in industrial and consumer products. A recent policy hearing highlighted the health risks of these substances and discussed legislative efforts to eliminate their use statewide.

WARMINSTER - In a concerted effort to address the growing concerns over Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), Pennsylvania legislators convened a joint policy hearing to discuss proposals aimed at banning these harmful chemicals from industrial and consumer applications. The hearing, hosted by State Senator Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks), State Representative Brian Munroe (D-Bucks), and State Representative Greg Scott (D-Montgomery), underscored the pressing need for regulatory action to protect public health and the environment from the widespread presence of PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals."

Health Risks and Legislative Proposals Highlighted

The hearing, held at the Warminster Township Building in Bucks County, brought together policymakers, scientists, and environmental advocates to explore the public health impacts of PFAS and potential legislative solutions. PFAS are a diverse group of over 15,000 chemicals that are used in a wide array of consumer products, from food packaging to cosmetics and furniture. Known for their persistence in the environment and resistance to degradation, these chemicals have been linked to numerous health risks, including cancer, hormonal disruption, reproductive issues, and developmental delays in children.

Senator Katie Muth, chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating, "The joint policy hearing served as a stark reminder that Pennsylvania consumers have no protections against toxic materials in everyday items. These forever chemicals are present in everything from food packaging to cosmetics to furniture. Other states are taking action to ban the use of these dangerous chemicals, and it is time for Pennsylvania to protect our consumers and protect public health by banning the use of PFAS in our Commonwealth."

Proposed Legislation to Curb PFAS Use

Sen. Muth is actively working on legislation that would ban the intentional use of PFAS in all industrial applications, with specific exemptions for essential uses as determined by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Protection. Additionally, she is pursuing measures that would mandate testing for PFAS in oil and gas operations throughout the state, addressing a significant source of contamination.

Representative Brian Munroe, whose district includes some of the areas most affected by PFAS contamination, highlighted the local impact of these chemicals: "The 144th District, Warminster, Warrington, Ivyland, and New Britain, is one of the most adversely affected areas by forever chemicals in the country. The loss of our drinking water, questions about cancer rates, and increased water fees are just a few examples of the impact on our community."

Rep. Greg Scott has introduced House Bill 2238, which aims to ban the use of PFAS in a wide range of consumer products by 2027, including artificial turf, cleaning products, carpeting, cookware, cosmetics, dental floss, fabric treatments, food packaging, and textiles. The bill also seeks to prohibit intentionally added PFAS in products not previously covered starting in 2033, with limited exemptions, such as medical devices. While the bill passed the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee in June, it has yet to be considered by the full House.

Holding Polluters Accountable

Senator Maria Collett (D-Montgomery) is also championing efforts to tackle PFAS pollution. She introduced Senate Bill 612, the Pennsylvania PFAS Classification and Cleanup Act, which would designate specific PFAS as hazardous substances under the state’s Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act. This designation would provide affected communities with the legal standing to hold polluters accountable in court. Sen. Collett is also working on additional legislation to grant the Pennsylvania Attorney General authority to prosecute polluters for environmental crimes related to PFAS contamination.

"The people in my community have seen some of the highest levels of PFAS concentration in the entire nation due to the firefighting foams used on local military bases," said Sen. Collett. "Not only have they experienced the health impacts associated with long-term exposure, but, in many cases, they’ve been forced to foot the bill to filter these chemicals from their drinking water. That’s why we must continue our work to reduce unnecessary PFAS contamination and finally hold polluters accountable."

Experts and Advocates Weigh In

The hearing featured testimony from various experts, including Dr. Thomas Zoeller, Emeritus Professor of Biology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and representatives from environmental organizations like PennEnvironment, Clean Water Action, Safer States, the Environmental Working Group, and Delaware Riverkeepers Network. Their insights underscored the critical need for robust policy measures to address the environmental and health hazards posed by PFAS.

With growing awareness of the dangers of PFAS and mounting evidence of their impact on public health, Pennsylvania legislators are under increasing pressure to take decisive action. The proposed legislation aims to curb the use of these toxic chemicals, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure that polluters are held accountable for their actions.

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