Committee hears bill to phase out firefighting foam containing PFAS; senators debate trade-offs

Senate Bill 91A would prohibit fire departments from using firefighting foam that contains PFAS chemicals and require that existing stock be replaced with PFAS-free alternatives once used up.

Supporters told the Climate, Energy and Environment Committee the ban is achievable, would protect first responders, and follows a national trend of states restricting PFAS-containing firefighting foams. Opponents cautioned that a categorical ban on a broad chemical class could limit future development of useful firefighting products and that some science remains contested.

Senator Janine Solman, sponsor of the measure, said the bill "will phase out the use of firefighting foam containing PFOS in Oregon." She described PFOS as "a class of chemicals that are…