We are thrilled that Governor McKee signed bipartisan legislation that will protect Rhode Islanders from toxic PFAS chemicals.
The Consumer Product PFAS Ban Act of 2024 (S2152/H7356), which passed with unanimous support in both the House and Senate, will ban the sale of certain items containing PFAS like juvenile products, carpets and rugs, cookware, cosmetics, fabric treatments, menstrual products, artificial turf, ski wax, and textiles. It also phases out the use of Class B firefighting foam containing PFAS, a major source of water contamination. PFAS are linked to numerous negative health impacts, including certain cancers.
This law will now protect our waterways and the health of Rhode Islanders, particularly children, from these toxic “forever chemicals.” We would like to extend our gratitude to Senators Meghan Kallman and Alana DiMario, Representatives Terri Cortvriend and June Speakman, and advocate Jed Thorp, the bill’s champions, for their tireless efforts to ensure that it passed.
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Since the organization’s founding during the campaign to pass the landmark Clean Water Act in 1972, Clean Water Action has worked to win strong health and environmental protections by bringing issue expertise, solution-oriented thinking, and people power to the table. www.cleanwater.org