New Jersey Assembly Bill A1413

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24
• Chaptered: 1/9/24
• Passed: 1/9/24

Caption

Prohibits sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of firefighting foam containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances; requires DEP to establish collection and disposal program; appropriates $250,000.

Impact

In its provisions, A1413 empowers the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish a voluntary program for the collection and safe disposal of PFAS-containing firefighting foams from fire departments statewide. The bill allocates $250,000 from the General Fund to support this grant program, which aims to assist municipalities in replacing the prohibited foam with safer alternatives. These measures are intended to safeguard public health and mitigate environmental damage resulting from the use of harmful chemicals in firefighting practices.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1413 seeks to prohibit the sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of class B firefighting foam containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the state of New Jersey. The bill stipulates that these restrictions will come into effect two years after its enactment, reflecting growing concerns surrounding the environmental impact of PFAS and its toxicity. Class B firefighting foam is often used for combating fires involving flammable liquids, and PFAS-related compounds have been found to pose significant health risks to both firefighters and the public through contamination of water sources.

Contention

While the bill is widely seen as a positive step toward addressing public health and environmental issues, there are points of contention, particularly regarding the limited exemptions it offers. Facilities with fixed foam fire suppression systems, such as oil refineries and petroleum terminals, may continue using PFAS-containing foam for several years under specific conditions. This has raised concerns among environmental groups who argue that such exemptions may undermine the intent of the legislation by prolonging the risks associated with PFAS usage. The debate centers on balancing immediate fire safety needs against long-term environmental health considerations.