AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine lawmakers are considering an amendment to a first-in-the-nation law that requires companies to report 'forever chemicals' in products in Maine.
The sweeping law would also effectively ban PFAS chemicals in most products by 2032.
Several of the state's largest businesses have pushed back on the law, saying the key sectors of Maine's economy will take a hit. Supporters say the public has a right to know what's in their products.
Nearly 60 companies have reported to regulators more than 20,000 products containing PFAS under Maine's groundbreaking law.
However, under an amendment proposed by the Department of Environmental Protection, several sectors of the economy could be exempt.
"They are asking for wholesale exemptions from the reporting and ban — we are looking at the aviation, and automobile industry, including refrigeration and HVAC," Sarah Woodbury, the director of Advocacy for Defend Our Health explained.
The nonprofit helped write the original bill and has been involved in concessions for businesses.
Members of the legislature's Environment and Natural Resources Committee are considering two amendments to the law, one proposed by the DEP and another by State Senator Henry Ingwersen, (D) York. His amendment does not exempt certain products, including refrigeration and HVAC systems.
"They would have to report out, and we want to know the studies coming into Maine," Sen. Henry Ingwersen, (D) York, testified during a work session on the amendments.
Maine State Chamber of Commerce officials and other businesses have said publicly that if the law is not amended, the economy will suffer, and some employers will be forced to leave the state.
"Companies are not going start building products just for Maine, they are just going to walk away and leave us. Have you done any research or analysis on how much this is going to cost our economy?" Asked Rep. Michael Soboleski, (R) Phillips.
"I have not," Ingwersen responded.
Under the original law, firefighting foam, medical devices, and veterinary medical equipment were already exempt. Businesses can also ask for unavoidable use designation but would have to report intentionally added PFAS in their products to regulators.
More than half a dozen companies, including 3M, said they will halt production of PFAS chemicals and work to phase out PFAS in all its products by the end of 2025.