This bill tackles a serious pollution problem at airports by helping them switch away from toxic firefighting foam. Airports currently use firefighting foam containing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)—chemicals that don't break down in the environment and can contaminate drinking water and soil. The bill directs the Department of Transportation to give grants to commercial airports so they can replace this toxic foam with safer alternatives.

Here's what the bill does in practical terms: Once the Department of Defense approves a fluorine-free firefighting agent, the DOT has 90 days to set up a grant program. Airports can then apply for money to cover the costs of buying new firefighting foam, getting rid of the old toxic foam safely, cleaning or replacing equipment that was used with the old foam, and purchasing new firefighting vehicles if needed. The bill gives special attention to smaller airports that don't have the resources to make this switch on their own, setting aside grants of up to $2 million for these facilities.

This matters because PFAS chemicals are widespread contaminants that pose health risks, and airports are major sources of this pollution. By funding the switch to safer alternatives, the bill helps protect both airport workers and communities near airports from exposure to these harmful chemicals while ensuring that airports can still maintain their critical firefighting capabilities.

PFAS Act

Carbajal, Salud O.

Pollution-Free Aviation Sites Act or the PFAS ActThis bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide grants to Part 139 airports for a per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) replacement program for firefighting foams and related equipment. (Part 139 airports include airports that serve scheduled and unscheduled air carrier operations for aircraft with more than 30 seats or serve scheduled air carrier operations for aircraft with 10-30 seats.)&nbsp;DOT must establish the PFAS replacement program within 90 days of the Department of Defense approving a fluorine-free firefighting agent (i.e., an agent that does not contain any PFAS).&nbsp;Under the program, DOT must reimburse eligible airport sponsors for the reasonable and appropriate costs associated with the one-time initial acquisition of fluorine-free firefighting alternatives, the disposal of PFAS products as part of the transition to a fluorine-free agent, cleaning or disposal of existing equipment or components, and replacement of aircraft rescue and firefighting equipment.DOT must prioritize grants of up to $2 million to replace aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles at&nbsp;specific smaller airports (i.e.,&nbsp;Index A airports) that do not have existing capabilities to produce fluorine-free foam. DOT must determine the eligibility of costs payable under the PFAS replacement program by taking into account all engineering, technical, and environmental protocols and generally accepted industry standards that are developed or established for fluorine-free foams.&nbsp;