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House rejects PFAS ban amendment for floating solar panels after committee debate
Summary
Delegates debated and rejected an amendment that would have barred PFAS in floating solar systems and associated equipment; proponents cited contamination risks, opponents questioned scope and comparability with other industries and water uses.
An amendment to prohibit per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in floating solar panels and related equipment failed on the House floor during consideration of a bill authorizing floating solar and brownfield solar siting.
Sponsor and supporters argued the amendment was a commonsense environmental protection because floating systems and their wiring or components could leach PFAS into water bodies; supporters noted prior committee attention to PFAS and state action earlier in the session.
Opponents called the amendment of "questionable value," noting that fossil-fuel production and other industries have PFAS issues and arguing that some proposed floating systems are on non-navigable ponds without drinking-water uses. The floor recorded a roll call; the clerk reported the amendment failed with 96 negative votes.
Why it matters: PFAS are long-lasting chemicals of increasing regulatory concern; the amendment sought to prevent additional potential sources in water bodies where floating solar arrays are proposed. The bill as amended in committee still moved forward and was ordered printed for third reading.
Formal action - Amendment: Prohibit PFAS in floating solar systems and associated equipment. - Mover: Delegate (amendment sponsor) - Outcome: amendment failed (clerk recorded 96 votes in the negative) - Notes: committee and floor discussion referenced PFAS bills earlier this session and different views about applicability and risk.
Ending The bill continues toward third reading without the PFAS prohibition for floating solar systems.
