North Carolina House Bill H732

North Carolina 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/18/23
• Refer: 4/19/23

Caption

Manage PFAS Firefighting Foam/Gear

Impact

If enacted, H732 would amend existing statutes within Chapter 143 of the General Statutes of North Carolina, setting a legal framework aimed at restricting the use of PFAS in firefighting practices. This legislation may lead to a significant shift in how firefighting materials are manufactured and used in the state, driving an industry standard toward PFAS-free alternatives. State agencies, local governments, and fire departments will be obligated to avoid using PFAS-laden equipment and foams, promoting a safer working environment for firefighters while potentially impacting procurement processes and leading to a reevaluation of available firefighting agents.

Summary

House Bill 732, titled the 'Responsible Firefighting Foam Management Act,’ aims to protect firefighters in North Carolina from the hazardous health effects associated with perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in firefighting foams. The bill prohibits the manufacture, sale, and distribution of firefighting foam containing these harmful chemicals, with a focus on class B foams used for flammable liquid fires. It also emphasizes the requirement of notifying purchasers if firefighting personal protective equipment contains PFAS chemicals. This legislation reflects an increasing recognition of the dangers posed by PFAS to both human health and the environment.

Sentiment

The sentiment around H732 appears to be largely positive among public health advocates and environmental groups, who view the bill as a critical step towards protecting firefighters' health and reducing environmental contamination. However, there could be contention among manufacturers of firefighting foam, who may face economic implications due to the recall and prohibition of PFAS-containing products. The discussions indicate a proactive approach to firefighter safety but may elicit concerns about the availability of effective firefighting foams in emergency situations.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the enforcement aspects of H732, including potential penalties for manufacturers that do not comply with the prohibition of PFAS in firefighters' equipment. The bill includes provisions for waivers for petroleum product terminals under specific circumstances, which may lead to debates over the necessity of PFAS in certain firefighting scenarios and what constitutes an acceptable alternative. Additionally, the transition from PFAS-containing foams to safer alternatives could spark discussions about the research and development necessary to ensure that replacements maintain effective firefighting standards.