PFAS Ban pass in NY Senate

By Katelyn Cordero
Posted 5/22/19

On May 19 a bill passed in the New York State Senate banning the use of PFAS in firefighting foam. the bill will ban the use of PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam used and manufactured in New York. …

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PFAS Ban pass in NY Senate

Posted

On May 19 a bill passed in the New York State Senate banning the use of PFAS in firefighting foam. the bill will ban the use of PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam used and manufactured in New York. It will also call for the monitoring of chemicals with similar chemical makeup due to the potential for harmful impacts.


“We know how dangerous this chemical is when it gets into our drinking water,” said  Co-Sponsor, Senator Skoufis. “My district has been affected by PFAS contamination and enough is enough. I’m sick and tired of my constituents right to clean and safe water continuously being threatened. Banning this chemical is an incredibly important step in protecting the health of all New Yorkers and I look forward to continuing to work with the Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Health in ensuring we become a PFAS-free state.”


The bill highlights the water contamination in Newburgh by Stewart Air National Guard and another contamination in Hoosick Falls and Petersburgh. This is a measure to end the further contamination of the watershed.


The bill not only bans the use of PFAS chemicals in Firefighting foam, but it also requires written notification of any PFAS found in personal protective firefighting equipment like jackets, pants and helmets at the time of the sale.


This bill will be implemented through the Office of Fire Prevention and Control, and violations to the law will result in civil penalties that will go into the hazardous waste removal fund.


“In order to protect the health and safety of New Yorkers, we must take an aggressive approach by prohibiting the use of all PSA chemicals in firefighting foams,” reads bill A0445/ S00439.