On July 15, 2021, the US State of Maine passed law LD 1503, the strictest regulation on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the United States so far and one of the strictest globally. By 2030, all uses of PFAS, except those specifically designated by Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as “currently unavoidable,” will be prohibited. By January 1, 2023, any manufacturer of a PFAS-containing product that wishes to sell in Maine must submit a notification including a description of the product and the purpose, amount, and types of PFAS used.
At least six other US states ban PFAS in specific use cases, such as food packaging and firefighting foam (FPF reported), but Maine’s bill is the first that requires creating an inventory of all PFAS use in the state. The DEP can use the inventory to phase out PFAS in other product categories before 2030. LD 1503 bans the use of PFAS in carpeting and textiles beginning 2023, and Maine already prohibited the sale of PFAS-containing food contact materials, which became effective in 2020 (FPF reported).
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State of Maine Legislature (July 2021). “An Act To Stop Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Pollution.”
Patrick MacRoy (July 15, 2021). “Groundbreaking PFAS bills in Maine.” Defend Our Health
Tom Perkins (July 16, 2021). “Maine bans toxic ‘forever chemicals’ under groundbreaking new law.” The Guardian
