ILTA Briefs Congress on Transition from PFAS Firefighting Foams

On May 12, ILTA hosted a briefing for Congressional staff on the challenges associated with transitioning the tank terminal industry away from PFAS-based firefighting foams to fluorine free alternatives. ILTA was joined in the briefing by representatives of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). All three groups sited the need for a multi-year timeline to achieve a safe and well-managed transition to newer alternative foams. NRDC described the negotiated outcomes in some states that have passed legislation to phase out the distribution, sale, or use of PFAS-based firefighting foams. These negotiations involved representatives of terminal companies and industry associations that provided information on the time requirements for making the transition.