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Senate adopts resolution urging research and future ban on PFAS in firefighter turnout gear
Summary
The Oregon Senate adopted House Concurrent Resolution 2 calling for research into PFAS in firefighters' protective gear and declaring intent to ban PFAS in turnout gear once suitable non‑PFAS alternatives exist; the measure passed 27–3 after floor debate.
House Concurrent Resolution 2, which the Senate adopted on third reading, declares the Legislative Assembly's support for research into perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighter personal protective equipment and states the Legislature's intent to ban PFAS in turnout gear once suitable non‑PFAS alternatives are available.
Senator Manning Jr., who presented the measure, said the National Institute of Standards and Technology found in 2023 that "the exposure of firefighters to carcinogenic chemicals may increase their risk of developing different types of cancer," and he described PFAS as a group of chemicals "otherwise known as PFAS" that "resist grease, oil, water, and heat, and they break down very slowly." Manning Jr. told colleagues the resolution sends "a direct message to all firefighters" that the Legislature stands with them.
The resolution notes studies reporting higher PFAS levels in firefighters' blood and the potential for turnout textiles to release PFAS with wear. Senator Solman spoke in support, referencing prior action on PFAS in firefighting foam and noting firefighter concerns that, to date, there is "not been an effective product in turnout material" that matches required performance. Solman said the resolution is an important message to firefighters and urged support.
Senator Robinson spoke in opposition and urged caution in broadly labeling the entire class of PFAS chemicals as carcinogenic. Robinson said targeting "a group of chemicals that is polyfluorinated just because we're worried about a few of them I think is a bad mistake" and expressed concern about unknown hazards of potential replacement materials. Robinson said he "fully support[s] our firefighters" but voted no because he was not convinced the resolution accurately treated the science.
The resolution passed on final adoption with 27 ayes and three nays (Senators Robinson, Star and Woods). The resolution record notes it came to the Senate after a House vote reported as 58 ayes and 2 excused and that it had a 4‑0‑1 committee recommendation in Senate Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs.
The resolution does not itself ban PFAS; it states a legislative commitment to ban future use of PFAS in personal protective equipment once suitable non‑PFAS gear is available and supports continued research into effective alternatives.
