NEWS RELEASE
Rep. Jeff Brand
Minnesota House of Representatives
District 18A – 651-296-8634– rep.jeff.brand@house.mn.gov
501 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Marlee Schlegel
651-296-9873 or marlee.schlegel@house.mn.gov
February 14, 2023
Bill eliminating non-essential use of PFAS receives first committee hearing
SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today, the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee heard House File 1000, a bill to implement a ban on non-essential uses of polyfluoroalkyl chemicals, known as PFAS. This bill would regulate products containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by requiring manufacturers of the products to report the use to the state. The bill is chief authored by Representative Jeff Brand (DFL – Saint Peter).
PFAS, which are cancer-causing “forever chemicals,” have been found in groundwater in locations across Minnesota. PFAS chemicals are linked to immune system disorders, lower birth weights, infertility, lower IQ in children, thyroid issues, and deadly cancers.
“Ingesting even small amounts of these forever chemicals can cause cancer and serious health problems,” said Rep. Brand. “Exposure to PFAS is linked to kidney and testicular cancer, pregnancy complications, high cholesterol, immune system disorders, and more. Firefighters, first responders, and our veterans in this nation have been especially exposed to hazardous amounts of these chemicals, but they surround all of us in the products we use every single day. Nearly every American has measurable amounts of PFAS in their body. We cannot allow this problem to continue to get worse. The health and futures of ourselves, our children, and our communities are on the line.”
The bill has been referred to the Commerce Finance and Policy Committee.
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