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Kildee Legislation Promoting PFAS-Free Firefighting Foam Leads to New Groundbreaking Investments to Protect Public Health from ‘Forever’ Chemicals

January 24, 2020

Federal Aviation Administration Builds New Facility to Test PFAS Alternatives After Push by Kildee to Reduce PFAS in Environment

Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force, today applauded new efforts to reduce per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) chemicals in the environment, including using PFAS-free firefighting foams at airports and military bases that have been the primary source of chemical contamination in Michigan and across the country.

Congressman Kildee authored legislation, signed into law as a part of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, to allow commercial airports to use alternative firefighting foams that do not contain PFAS chemicals. Previously, airports in Michigan and across the country were forced to use firefighting foams that contain PFAS chemicals because of the way regulations were written. Subsequently, these PFAS chemicals in firefighting foams leeched into the groundwater surrounding airports and military bases, including around former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, Mich.

As a result of Congressman Kildee's legislation, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has now constructed a world-class research facility to test firefighting foams that do not contain PFAS. Airports are now allowed to use firefighting foams that do not contain PFAS chemicals if they are effective at protecting people and meet National Fire Protection Association's 403 Standard for Aircraft Rescue and Fire-Fighting Services at Airports. Many other countries, including Australia, Denmark and Norway, already use PFAS-free firefighting foams.

"PFAS chemicals are harmful to human health, which is why I am working in Congress with Republicans and Democrats to reduce exposure and stop the use of these harmful chemicals," Congressman Kildee said. "By allowing airports to use PFAS-free firefighting foams as an alternative, we can significantly reduce PFAS chemicals from contaminating drinking water and our environment. I am proud that my bipartisan amendment to reduce the use of PFAS firefighting foams was signed into law, which will help to protect public health."

"The FAA previously required airport operators to utilize PFAS-containing AFFF during mandated tests of firefighting equipment and when responding to fires. But given all the facets of airport operations that these chemicals can impact, airport operators cannot afford to wait to prepare," said Nino Sapone, Director of the Flint Bishop Airport. "This legislation paves the way for research and development for alternative firefighting foams that is environmentally friendly and meets NFPA 403 standards. The research and testing of alternative PFAS-free firefighting foams is a critical step in assisting airports in managing the associated long-term liability."

As co-chair of the bipartisan PFAS Task Force, Congressman Kildee has worked with Republicans and Democrats at all levels of government to address PFAS chemical contamination. Last year, Congressman Kildee also helped to push legislation as a part of the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act to ban the Defense Department from using firefighting foams containing PFAS on military bases by 2024.