CONGRESS PUSHES TO TRANSITION TO FLUORINE-FREE FOAM AT U.S. AIRPORTS
January 31, 2024
As lawmakers work to pass the FAA Reauthorization Act, the issue of transitioning to fluorine-free firefighting foam across U.S. airports is gaining steam. Sections 626 and 627 of the proposed FAA Reauthorization Act establish a grant program to support U.S. airports in the move to fluorine-free foams and mandate progress reports every six months on a national transition plan. The provisions come at a time when airports and military bases alike are facing the environmental and health dangers of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) releases. To mitigate the risks from PFAS releases at U.S. airports, several House lawmakers are supporting the inclusions of Sections 626 and 627 when the legislative body returns to session in the new year.
More broadly, the Senate recently passed the final version of the FAA Reauthorization Act on December 19, 2023. To ensure safe and efficient operation of America’s aviation system, House lawmakers are discussing various provisions of the legislation including those related to PFAS and firefighting foam.
If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr at 202.659.6622 or esahr@eckertseamans.com; Drew Derco at 202-659-6665 or dderco@eckertseamans.com; Jay Julien at 202.659.6648 or jjulien@eckertseamans.com, or any other attorney at Eckert Seamans with whom you have been working.
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