House advances ban on aqueous film‑forming foam at former Brunswick Naval Air Station

The Maine House passed a bill directing the authority that manages parts of the former Brunswick Naval Air Station to remove aqueous film‑forming foam (AFFF) and purge fire suppression systems of PFAS residue.

Representatives from the Midcoast area and members of the environment committee described the measure as a narrowly tailored resolve requiring the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority (MRRA) to meet staged benchmarks: disable foam‑based systems, remove foam concentrate from property, and purge lines of PFAS‑containing residue. Representative Toole described the resolve as providing "realistic, achievable goals" and said the fiscal note to state government was zero.

Supporters invoked the public‑health stakes and the long persistence of PFAS, calling the chemicals "forever chemicals" and noting ongoing well contamination concerns in the area. "This resolve tells those who were in charge when the toxic foam spilled last year to stop using it, to get rid of it, and to clean out all their equipment," Representative Toole said.

The House accepted the majority report and passed the measure; committee advocates said the state will work with MRRA to identify funding sources for any required equipment purges. Supporters said the resolve does not impose a state taxpayer burden but does require the authority to meet defined, time‑bound steps.

Legislators said remaining cleanup and compensation for affected private wells will likely extend beyond the resolve's immediate benchmarks and will require ongoing state efforts.

The House recorded the vote in committee action and advanced the resolve to the Senate for concurrence.