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 extremely harmful to both the environment and to human bodies," and cited links to cancer, high cholesterol, reproductive and thyroid problems, and immune suppression. Solman said the bill allows existing inventories of PFAS-containing foam to be used up and that firefighters who helped set the phase-out date estimated current stock would be exhausted by July 2026.

Senator Robinson testified in opposition. "My first opinion of [the bill] was it is sort of unnecessary because if the firefighters are phasing out anyway, why do we have to tell them to do that?" Robinson said. He also warned that banning an entire chemical class could prevent useful future innovations: "If you ban the whole class because we're worried about it from ever being in firefighting foam, where will we be on because who knows? Maybe we'll want an even better foam than we have today."

Vice Chair Levy asked a technical question about whether any PFOS compounds are safe. Robinson, who described himself as a chemist, responded that many fluorinated compounds are widely used and that safety depends on specific chemicals and the evidence: "There's lots of fluorinated compounds that are perfectly safe. We put fluoride in the drinking water." He added that establishing causality in epidemiology requires careful study.

Senator Solman said the bill was developed in consultation with firefighters and advocates and cited real-world alternatives and manufacturer exchange programs that allow departments to swap PFAS-containing foam for PFAS-free products. Solman said she had conducted ride-alongs with local stations and that several stations, including in Forest Grove, already do not use PFAS-containing foam.

Committee members asked for more data and implementation details. Representative Edwards asked whether Forest Grove reported problems after switching; Solman said she was not aware of reported problems and that some manufacturers offer exchange programs. Representative Graber and others discussed firefighter cancer risks and the evolving science; Solman emphasized the bill is intended "in partnership for our first responder heroes" and not as a punishment for departments.

The committee did not take a final vote during the hearing. Chair Lively closed the hearing and moved to the next agenda item.