NEWS RELEASE
Minnesota Legislature
For Immediate Release
Contact: Marlee Schlegel | 651-296-9873
January 24, 2023
DFL Legislators Introduce Ban on Non-Essential Use of ‘Forever Chemicals’
SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today, state lawmakers announced legislation prohibiting the non-essential use of PFAS chemicals in manufacturing, the first bill in the PFAS Prevention Package. PFAS are cancer-causing “forever chemicals” that have been found in groundwater in locations including the East Metro. The bill is authored by Representative Jeff Brand (DFL - Saint Peter) and Senator Kelly Morrison (DFL - Deephaven).
“This bill aims to reduce the risk over time and shuts off the faucet on these chemicals at the source. Right now, the bathtub is overflowing,” said Rep. Brand. “These chemicals were developed under the guise of improving our lives, but now are cutting too many lives short.”
“The evidence that these forever chemicals are dangerous to our water, our soil and our health continues to grow. We must stop using these chemicals in non-essential products so we can slow the harm they are causing to Minnesotans,” said Senator Kelly Morrison (DFL - Deephaven). “It is time for us to take this necessary step to limit their use to protect the health and well-being of our communities.”
The chemicals have been detected in goods and water across the whole state. PFAS chemicals are linked to immune system disorders, lower birth weights, infertility, lower IQ in children, thyroid issues, and deadly cancers.
In his budget proposal today, Governor Walz recommended over $4 million for PFAS source reduction over the biennium.
The bill now awaits introduction on the House Floor.
###