This bill targets 'forever chemicals'—perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—which are human-made chemicals that don't break down in the environment and accumulate in our bodies and water supplies. The bill requires the U.S. to phase out production and use of these chemicals, except for uses deemed truly essential to society. It works by first having the National Academies of Sciences review which uses of PFAS are actually necessary (like certain medical or safety applications) versus which ones are just convenient but replaceable (like non-stick coatings in some consumer products). Once essential uses are identified, manufacturers and users must stop producing and releasing all other PFAS. The bill also requires companies to report annually on how much PFAS they're using and releasing, creating transparency so the public and regulators can track progress. Additionally, it establishes research centers to help communities deal with PFAS contamination in their water and develop safer alternatives. The law applies to federal agencies too, meaning the government must follow the same phaseout rules. This is a comprehensive approach to eliminate a widespread environmental and health threat by systematically identifying what we truly need these chemicals for and eliminating everything else.

To phase out production of nonessential uses of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, to prohibit releases of all perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, and for other purposes.