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Committee advances ban on PFAS-containing firefighting foam (Senate Bill 91A)
Summary
The House Climate, Energy, and Environment Committee voted to advance Senate Bill 91A, a measure to prohibit use of firefighting foam containing PFAS, sending the bill to the House floor following debate about supply and timing.
The House Climate, Energy, and Environment Committee on April 29 voted to send Senate Bill 91A to the House floor with a "do pass" recommendation. The bill would prohibit fire departments from using firefighting foam that contains perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly called PFAS.
Committee staff told members the bill carries a minimal fiscal impact and no revenue impact. Vice Chair Gamba moved the bill to the floor with a due-pass recommendation; the motion passed on a recorded roll call.
Supporters framed the bill as a step to reduce exposure to PFAS chemicals. Representative Owens said he supported the goal of reducing PFAS but voted no, citing concerns about an apparently arbitrary compliance date and uncertainty about supply: "I'm worried about maybe the arbitrary date of February ... My understanding also is the fire foam, there's only 1 manufacturer that manufactured it now. I've heard nothing from them whether they're transitioning over for what the supply would be for the non fire foam PFAS." Committee staff had earlier described the fiscal impact as minimal and said there were no amendments and no subsequent referral.
On the roll call, the committee recorded the following votes: yes — Representative Anderson; Representative Edwards; Representative Helm; Representative Emerson Levy; Representative Murph; Vice Chair Gamba; Vice Chair Bobby Levy; Chair Tara Lively. No — Representative Osborne; Representative Owens. Excused — Representative Huron; Representative Wallen. The motion passed, and Representative Neron was later assigned to carry the bill to the floor.
The committee closed the work session on Senate Bill 91A and proceeded to other agenda items.
