New York Assembly Bill A10696

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/20/26
• Refer: 3/20/26

Caption

Prohibits the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in photovoltaic modules

Summary

This bill amends the Environmental Conservation Law to prohibit the sale, offer for sale, or manufacture in New York of photovoltaic modules that contain intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), beginning January 1, 2028. It creates a new section in the law defining PFAS by reference to existing state law and defining “photovoltaic module” broadly to cover solar panels and related assemblies used in building-integrated systems and in freestanding off-grid applications, while excluding certain consumer electronic devices. The bill authorizes the Department of Environmental Conservation to adopt rules and regulations needed to implement, administer, and enforce the prohibition. In practical terms, it would require solar module manufacturers, distributors, and sellers operating in New York to ensure their products do not contain intentionally added PFAS once the ban takes effect. The measure is aimed at reducing PFAS exposure and aligning solar product standards with broader state restrictions on these chemicals.

Impact

The bill would add a new PFAS-specific product restriction to the Environmental Conservation Law, expanding New York’s existing chemical-regulation framework into the solar energy market. It would affect manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and other persons selling or making photovoltaic modules in the state, and it would give the Department of Environmental Conservation enforcement authority through rulemaking. The law would not take effect immediately in practice for the industry, because the sales/manufacturing ban begins on January 1, 2028, allowing time for product reformulation and supply-chain adjustments.

Sentiment

Based on the bill’s framing and lack of recorded opposition or vote history in the provided materials, the general sentiment appears supportive and precautionary, with the bill presented as a consumer- and environment-protection measure. The absence of committee transcript debate suggests no documented public controversy in the available record, though the measure clearly reflects a policy preference for eliminating PFAS from solar equipment. The bill was still in Assembly committee as of the last action date, indicating it had not yet advanced to a floor vote in the materials provided.

Contention

The main point of potential contention is the impact on the solar industry and supply chains, since the bill would prohibit intentionally added PFAS in photovoltaic modules sold or manufactured in New York. Manufacturers and sellers may need to redesign products, verify chemical content, and ensure compliance by the 2028 effective date, which could raise cost and feasibility concerns. On the other side, environmental and public-health advocates would likely support the restriction because PFAS are persistent chemicals associated with contamination concerns. No specific opposing arguments or named stakeholders are included in the provided transcripts or vote record.