Don’t let well-intentioned PFAS law stall Minnesota’s used car market

By Minn Post | Ben Footh | April 24, 2026

Read the full article by Ben Footh (Minn Post)

"The used car economy is essential to Minnesota, the state’s new PFAS law may stall the market. Used vehicles account for between 70-75% of all vehicle transactions in the state and are the primary way Minnesotans access transportation. A used vehicle averages $25,000-$28,000, making them 30-50% cheaper than buying new. In most parts of the state, access to a functioning vehicle is a critical necessity.

As a used car dealer, I’m part of an ecosystem of dealerships, parts suppliers and repair shops that supports thousands of jobs and contributes billions to our state’s economy. But right now, a well-intentioned environmental law threatens our ability to repair and maintain most cars in Minnesota.

The state’s new PFAS law is designed to get “forever chemicals” out of the supply chain and requires manufacturers to track and report data on every component sold in the state, including parts made years or even decades ago. For a vehicle, this is incredibly complex. A single car has roughly 30,000 parts, sourced from thousands of different suppliers. Under the current law, manufacturers are required to report PFAS content for every single one of those components."