Bill limiting ‘forever chemicals’ in firefighting foam clears Senate committee

Harrisburg, Pa. — The Pa. Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee have approved Senate Bill 980, a bill created to limit the use of firefighting foam containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals.”

The bipartisan legislation was jointly introduced by Sens. Gene Yaw and Nick Miller. The bill, if passed, would restrict the manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of firefighting foam containing PFAS starting this year. According to the EPA, PFAS are manmade chemicals used since the 1940s that can accumulate in the environment and human body over time, with studies linking exposure to the chemicals to adverse health effects. As the nickname “forever chemicals” suggests, these chemicals are extremely difficult to break down.

“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. It will undoubtedly protect firefighters moving forward, while also safeguarding our ground and surface water from contamination.”

“This bipartisan legislation takes decisive action to phase out dangerous substances, protecting the long-term health of our frontline heroes while preventing lasting contamination of our soil and water,” added Miller. “It reflects our responsibility to those who risk their lives in service to our communities. I look forward to advancing this bill as we put the well-being of those who serve at the forefront, safeguard public health, and advocate for environmental protection.”

The lawmakers said the bill reflects years of collaboration with fire service leaders, emergency responders, and industry representatives since its original introduction in 2019. The proposal would allow fire companies to use Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant funding to cover the cost of properly disposing of PFAS-containing foam. The State Fire Commissioner, working with the Pa. Department of Environmental Protection, would oversee safe, environmentally-responsible disposal.

The bill includes an exemption for facilities where PFAS-based foam remains necessary for safety, such as airports, chemical plants, oil refineries, and sites handling flammable liquids or natural gas.

Senate Bill 980 will now move to the full Senate for a vote.