Tennessee House Bill HB2535

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/24
• Refer: 2/1/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 43; Title 53 and Title 68, relative to products containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl.

Impact

The legislation will have a significant impact on state laws related to environmental protection and public health. Specifically, it provides the commissioner of environment and conservation with authority to enforce this prohibition and to coordinate with other state departments for effective implementation. The bill's introduction reflects an increasing recognition of the hazards posed by PFAS and aligns Tennessee's regulatory framework with movements in other states to reduce PFAS usage, thus contributing to broader public health initiatives.

Summary

House Bill 2535 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated to prohibit the manufacturing, sale, or distribution of products containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These substances are a class of fluorinated organic chemicals known for their persistence in the environment and potential adverse health effects. The bill emphasizes the need for consumer safety by limiting exposure to these harmful chemicals commonly found in various products, such as food packaging, cleaning agents, and textiles.

Contention

Notably, the bill includes exceptions for specific uses of PFAS, such as in medical devices and at oil refineries, which has sparked discussions about the adequacy of these exemptions and the timeline for transitioning to safer alternatives. Critics of the bill may argue that these exceptions could undermine the intended public health benefits. Furthermore, while the bill is positioned as a proactive step for consumer safety, its effectiveness will largely depend on the establishment of comprehensive alternatives and regulations by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Thus, the discourse around HB2535 also touches upon the readiness of the market and manufacturers to adapt to these new standards.