Measure targets PFAS firefighting foam alternative

A group of lawmakers recently introduced a bill they said is designed to find an alternative to PFAS contaminated firefighting foam.

Reps. Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Mike Gallagher (R-WI), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Dan Kildee (D-MI) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) said the PFAS Free Foam Research and Development Act establishes a public-private partnership between the Department of Defense, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, industry stakeholders and manufactures, research institutions and other federal agencies.

“Tackling our local – and national – water contamination problem is one of my highest priorities,” Dean said. “Finding an alternative to PFAS contaminated firefighting foam is vital. No one should be exposed to these harmful forever chemicals.”

The measure requires the Department of Defense submit a report to Congress explaining actions taken in finding a PFAS alternative, disclose any denied alternatives and the reasons behind the denial; the use of green and sustainable chemistry to ensure any alternative does not pose a risk to public health or the environment; and increase opportunities for sharing best practices within the research and development sector by using and leveraging research from existing Department of Defense programs.

“In order to find a military-grade alternative to PFAS chemicals, we need proper research and coordination,” Gallagher said. “This bill helps us protect our water from harmful contaminants by finding ways to achieve a quick and safe phase-out of PFAS firefighting foam.”

Kim said PFAS chemicals endanger the nation’s men and women in uniform and families residing in military communities like those around Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

“I’m proud to stand with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to introduce this bill that would make sure we quickly and safely transition away from using PFAS in our military’s firefighting foams,” he said.