Sustainable PFAS Action Network

Last week, SPAN Executive Director Kevin Fay had the opportunity to address the?PLASTICS (Plastics Industry Association) Fluoropolymers Conference on the need for risk-based policies to responsibly manage indispensable PFAS compounds. SPAN is hitting the ground running in 2025, advocating at all levels of government for responsible public policy that reflects the unique role fluoropolymers play in modern society.?These high-performance materials can be essential to accelerate innovation, strengthen our economy, and protect national security.

SPAN remains committed to advocating for science-driven, risk-based PFAS management at all levels of government, including in state capitals around the country. This week, SPAN submitted comments to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to strengthen the state’s implementation of the PFAS in Products Program.? ? Read how Main can improve the program’s implementation to responsibly balance long-term human health and environmental protection with the critical need for certain PFAS materials for economic growth: https://lnkd.in/emk68Jt6

As?the conversation around PFAS evolves, it’s clear that a one-size-fits-all approach is not the answer to ensure that PFAS management remains effective, resource-efficient, and supportive of critical industries. While the EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap represents progress toward risk-based management,?SPAN?advocates for a federal risk management framework that prioritizes commercially active PFAS to enhance the program's effectiveness. Read more in our latest blog post on why a risk-based framework is the responsible way forward: ? https://lnkd.in/eMpN6d33

In 2023, the EPA finalized a PFAS reporting rule under TSCA Section 8(a)(7), focusing on a targeted structural definition of PFAS.?This development marks a significant step toward a clear and risk-based?approach?for reporting commercially active PFAS compounds,?which, if consistent, will enable future regulatory actions to prioritize high-risk PFAS.? ? Strong leadership from the?EPA is needed to establish a clear and consistent definition that prioritizes commercially active PFAS compounds. ? Learn more about how standardizing a federal definition enhances regulatory clarity and protects human health and the environment:?https://lnkd.in/eaK3eEeW

Last week, SPAN submitted comments to the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regarding its Draft Legislation for?statewide #PFAS phase-outs. ? The Draft Legislation is an important step in addressing the management challenges posed by PFAS; however, by refining definitions, establishing clear compliance thresholds, streamlining exemption processes, and clarifying effective dates, the state can strengthen its legislative framework. ? To enhance the legislation and ensure a more effective and sustainable approach to PFAS management, SPAN outlined several critical areas for improvement ?? Read more here:?https://lnkd.in/e_JjwycM

Last month, the EPA announced an eight-month delay in PFAS reporting under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).?While sufficient testing of the reporting application and ensuring accurate data submission are critical, SPAN emphasizes the urgent need for a uniform, risk-based federal approach. ? As Kevin Fay, Executive Director of SPAN, noted, “This delay highlights the urgency for Congress to take the lead with federal legislation?accelerating the identification and management of these compounds.”? ? Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/erggzjRx

#ICYMI: SPAN submitted initial comments to the Maine DEP on the new Concept Draft for the PFAS in Products program, reflecting more risk-based changes made possible by the bipartisan passage of LD1537 earlier this year. ? We appreciate the opportunity to contribute and remain committed to collaborating with lawmakers and the Maine DEP to advance policies that protect human health and the environment while acknowledging the importance of PFAS compounds in vital industries. ? Read SPAN’s initial input to help enhance the program’s implementation:?https://lnkd.in/epX7Sq6x

Last week, SPAN had the pleasure of joining a panel focused on PFAS management solutions at the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS)?Fall Meeting. The session included insights from John Kane,?Director of Infrastructure, U.S. Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works; Andrew Pawlisz, D.A.B.T., Regulatory Toxicologist & Environmental Risk Assessor, Trihydro Corporation;?and was moderated by?Elizabeth Biser, Secretary of the NC Department of Environmental Quality —each demonstrating a shared commitment to responsible PFAS management.? ? During the discussion, Kevin Fay, Executive Director of SPAN, outlined key strategies to drive effective PFAS management at federal and state levels, encouraging a uniform, risk-based federal policy approach.?Read SPAN’s?#PressRelease?to learn more:?https://lnkd.in/ez_J-UkT ? #ECOSFall24 #PFAS

Discover how advanced solutions in the U.S. refrigeration and air conditioning industry rely on fluorinated gases and PFAS for reliable, energy-efficient systems that meet societal needs. ? The?Sustainable PFAS Action Network’s?#FactSheet highlights how well-studied fluorinated gases like HFCs and HFOs are strictly regulated in the U.S. to preserve agricultural produce, dairy, meat, and seafood; protect the pharmaceutical cold chain; decarbonize heating systems in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors; and support the air conditioning systems of millions of vehicles, homes, and industries globally. ? Learn more about the industry's commitment to creating sustainable, effective, and energy-efficient systems that meet our critical societal needs:?https://lnkd.in/eByKRYiX #PFAS #HFOs #HFCs #HVACR

???SPAN’s August newsletter is out! Discover what’s new: ? - CCEEB Panel: Andrew Bemus on the need for uniform PFAS management - EPA’s SNAP Rule 26: HFOs approved as safer, sustainable refrigerants - Fact Sheet: How fluorinated gases support vital industries - Kevin Fay on ‘Daily Drive’: Insights on PFAS in the automotive industry ? Read the newsletter, and make sure you subscribe to our email list for future updates:?https://conta.cc/3WARM3F