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Airport leaders urge congressional funding and clearer rules for PFAS foam transition and legacy cleanup
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Summary
Committee witnesses told lawmakers the PFAS firefighting foam transition authorized in the 2024 FAA reauthorization needs appropriation and clearer disposal and treatment standards; witnesses said the initial switch to fluorine‑free foams has progressed but legacy disposal rules remain unclear.
Airport officials and lawmakers told the House subcommittee that the federal program authorizing grants to help airports replace PFAS‑containing firefighting foams (AFFF) requires appropriation and clearer, national guidance on disposal and cleanup.
Representative Tom Suozzi and Representative Mike Lawler were among members who have urged appropriation of $100 million for an airport transition program that was authorized in the FAA reauthorization. Witnesses noted the administration and EPA have begun to treat PFAS as hazardous substances and that airports were federally required to use AFFF for decades.
Larry Crowder, CVG CEO, told the committee the initial transition to fluorine‑free foams "has gone very well," but he said follow‑on steps are more complex. "While we appreciate it, making the transition to a new type of foam, the disposal of this and handling this material has still not been solved at a national level or even a state level," Michael Langeth said. He cited uncertainty about treatment standards, disposal protocols and long‑term liability.
Witnesses urged Congress to fund the program and to provide nationwide clarity about handling legacy contamination so airports would not be left with uncertain costs and regulatory risk stemming from past federally mandated foam use.
Members of both parties expressed interest in appropriating the transition program; witnesses said the funding would help airports replace foams and address disposal and cleanup complexities that involve federal and state environmental authorities.
