New York Policy Shapers Push Rigorous PFAS Bill Package
New York already prohibits PFAS in several product types. But new proposed rules would cover a substantially larger group of products and focus on determining where PFAS is coming from in the first place.
New York has passed several bills cracking down on PFAS, and now policymakers are pushing to further tighten the reins on these chemicals found in thousands of products and associated with multiple health problems.
New York already prohibits PFAS in several product types. But new proposed rules would cover a substantially larger group of products and focus on determining where PFAS is coming from in the first place. There are three bills that collectively target consumer and household products, personal care and cosmetics, and menstrual products, as well as would require tracking PFAS in effluent released in waterways.
A growing number of states are spearheading regulatory work around these “forever chemicals” [they don’t break down], often prompted by a crisis in their communities, as happened in New York several years ago. These contaminants were detected in the village of Hoosick’s public drinking water and private drinking water wells that far exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) health advisory level. Investigators linked the PFAS to past manufacturing sites, leading to multimillions in compensation to thousands of property owners.
New York Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, a lead sponsor of two of the bills, became aware of PFAS and their potential risks a few years ago after getting complaints from environmental advocacy groups.