Environment and natural resources; creating the Oklahoma Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Act; providing application, liability, and fee assessment for certain waste disposal. Emergency.
This bill is significant in managing and mitigating pollution from PFAS, as it allows public systems and other specified entities to operate without civil liability for accidental releases of PFAS under certain conditions. However, it also stipulates that these exemptions do not apply if the release is due to gross negligence or violations of legal standards. Furthermore, it requires thorough evaluation and regulation of AFFF waste disposal, emphasizing the protection of human health and the environment by establishing strict guidelines for waste management.
Senate Bill 271, referred to as the Oklahoma Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Act, aims to address environmental and public health concerns associated with PFAS chemicals. The bill establishes a framework for managing the disposal and treatment of AFFF waste, which contains hazardous PFAS substances known to pose risks to human health and the environment. Key provisions include defining terms related to PFAS and AFFF, exemptions from liability for certain passive receivers of PFAS, and requirements for rule promulgation by the Environmental Quality Board to regulate the treatment and disposal of PFAS waste.
Discussion around SB271 has raised concerns regarding the balance between protecting public health and providing sufficient protections for businesses involved in PFAS management. Critics argue that the liability exemptions could encourage lax practices among those handling PFAS, leading to potential environmental harm. Supporters, however, claim that the bill encourages responsible waste management while ensuring essential services remain operational in the face of environmental regulations that might otherwise hinder them. Additionally, the requirement for the Environmental Quality Board to create rules and establish a fee schedule for waste disposal implies an organized approach to manage PFAS impact in the state.
The urgency of the bill is underscored by its declaration of an emergency, which enables its immediate enforcement upon passage. This reflects a growing recognition of the need for swift action to address the hazards associated with PFAS. The bill's emphasis on careful regulation and the establishment of potential fees for AFFF disposal hint at ongoing efforts to hold industries accountable while navigating the complexities of environmental law.