Oregon Legislature Bans Firefighting Foam Containing PFAS
May 5, 2025
The Oregon Legislature has passed Senate Bill 91, a significant measure aimed at protecting firefighters and the environment by banning the use of firefighting foams containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals. PFAS, known as "forever chemicals" for their persistence in the environment and human body, have been linked to a range of health issues, including cancer and immune system disruptions. The bill, which excludes federally mandated uses such as those by the FAA, was championed by Rep. Courtney Neron, who emphasized the need to protect first responders from harmful exposures. If signed by the governor, the ban will take effect on July 1, 2026, making Oregon the 16th state to adopt such a prohibition.
SB 91 garnered support from multiple environmental and firefighting organizations, including the Oregon State Fire Fighters Council and the Oregon Environmental Council. However, it drew criticism from wastewater agencies after an amendment removed a requirement for the state to set PFAS disposal guidelines. Critics argue that without proper disposal rules, firefighting foams containing PFAS could still threaten water treatment systems. Despite this concern, the bill passed with strong bipartisan support—27–3 in the Senate and 38–15 in the House.
In parallel, House Bill 2947 is under consideration to fund a study on PFAS contamination in biosolids used as fertilizer on farmland. The study would analyze PFAS levels in treated sewage sludge, surrounding soil, and crops in participating agricultural areas, with oversight from Oregon State University and the Department of Environmental Quality. Participation in the study would be voluntary and anonymized, with findings aimed at assessing the risks of PFAS entering the food chain through agricultural practices. The bill is currently in the Joint Committee on Ways and Means for further review.
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