# Fire Suppression PFAS Liability Protection Act

This bill protects manufacturers and users of firefighting foam from being sued over contamination caused by PFAS chemicals. PFAS are "forever chemicals" that don't break down in the environment and have been found in drinking water supplies across the country, often traced back to firefighting foam used at airports, military bases, and fire training facilities. The bill essentially shields companies from lawsuits claiming their foam products caused this contamination.

The practical impact is significant for people living near airports, military installations, or fire training sites where this foam has been used. If you've discovered PFAS in your well water or been affected by contaminated groundwater, this bill would make it much harder to hold the companies responsible through the courts. Instead of being able to sue for damages, affected communities would have limited legal recourse. The bill also protects the government agencies and military that used these products, preventing them from being held liable for the contamination they helped create.

On the flip side, the bill could reduce costs for firefighting foam manufacturers and potentially lower expenses for airports and military bases that use these products. However, this comes at the expense of people dealing with contaminated water supplies. Environmental and public health advocates argue this shifts the burden of cleanup and health problems away from those responsible and onto taxpayers and affected families. The bill essentially says that even though these companies knew or should have known their products contained harmful chemicals, they won't face legal consequences for the damage caused.

Fire Suppression PFAS Liability Protection Act

Lummis, Cynthia M.

Fire Suppression PFAS Liability Protection Act This bill exempts entities from liability under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) for certain releases of certain perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS. Specifically, the bill applies to entities with a fire suppression system installed (or otherwise in use) in accordance with applicable fire codes that uses an aqueous film forming foam that contains PFAS. Under the bill, the exemption only applies if the release of PFAS resulted from the lawful discharge of an aqueous film forming foam in connection with a fire suppression system that conforms to applicable fire codes and is compliant with the most recently approved engineering standards at the time of discharge. Liability for damages or costs associated with the release of certain PFAS must not be precluded if an entity (1) acts with gross negligence or willful misconduct, or (2) continues to use an aqueous film forming foam agent in its fire suppression system five years after the date on which approved engineering standards were updated to no longer require the use of such foam.