HARRISBURG – State Senators Gene Yaw (R-23) and Nick Miller (D-14) announced plans today to introduce bipartisan legislation that would limit the manufacture, sale, distribution and use of firefighting foam containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) beginning in 2026.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, PFAS are man-made chemicals that have been used in many products since the 1940s. The chemical can build up in the environment and in the human body over time and studies have shown that exposure can lead to adverse health effects.
“Firefighters can face an extremely higher level of PFAS exposure compared to other emergency responders,” Yaw said. “PFAS contamination is a national public health challenge, and this bill is a commonsense response, which has already been adopted by many states. This bill will undoubtedly protect firefighters moving forward, while also safeguarding our ground and surface water from contamination.”
“For years, firefighters across Pennsylvania have bravely protected their communities while facing repeated exposure to hazardous chemicals,” said Miller. “This legislation protects those who protect us. By limiting the use of harmful substances, we’re taking meaningful action to safeguard the long-term health of our frontline heroes and to prevent these toxins from seeping into our soil and contaminating local water supplies. I’m proud to work in a bipartisan way with Sen. Yaw to take real steps toward eliminating preventable harm to both our firefighters and our environment.”
The lawmakers said the legislation is the result of extensive collaboration with fire service leaders, emergency responders and industry representatives since the bill was first introduced in 2019. The proposal would allow fire companies to use their Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant funding to cover the costs associated with the proper disposal of PFAS-laden foam. Additionally, the State Fire Commissioner would work in coordination with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to ensure responsible and environmentally sound disposal practices.
Yaw and Miller noted the bill maintains an exception for facilities where PFAS-based foam remains critical for safety, including airports, chemical plants, oil refineries and terminals or storage sites handling flammable liquids or natural gas.
For more state-related news and information, constituents can visit Senator Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or follow him on Facebook and X @SenatorGeneYaw.
CONTACT:
Elizabeth Weitzel (Yaw)
717-787-3280
Gail Vivar (Miller)
717-787-7105