Maine Among Many States Pressing Forward on PFAS Restrictions

While the federal government continues to look for the best way to regulate PFAS chemicals at a high level, many states are pushing to limit or outright halt PFAS use on their own. Maine notably passed and signed into law H.P.1115-L.D.1505 on July 9, which prohibits the use of PFAS firefighting foams in training or testing after January 1, 2022 unless the product is completely collected at the end of the session. Moreover, manufacturers will not be able to sell or produce the foams in the state after the new year.

ILTA and Global Partners LP worked to inform the Maine legislature on the importance of PFAS foams in tank safety, with both testifying in a panel hearing on the issue before the bill’s passing. Through the industry’s dedicated efforts, the tank terminals sector was given an extended permit for PFAS use in the case of an emergency and purchase through January 2025. Firefighters will still be able to use a terminal facility’s supply of firefighting foam but will not be able to purchase their own stock in 2022.

Maine is only one in a long list of states that are increasingly restricting PFAS. ILTA maintains a working tracker for state legislation and regulation on our website.