Tennessee bill could limit state regulation of PFAS and other chemicals

Environmental Health News | March 9, 2025

Read the full article (Environmental Health News)

"A proposed Tennessee bill would restrict state agencies from enacting regulations on hazardous chemicals, including PFAS, unless lawmakers prove the rules are based on “sound science.”

Cassandra Stephenson reports for Tennessee Lookout.

In short:

The bill, backed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, would prevent Tennessee from enacting chemical regulations stricter than federal standards unless they are supported by peer-reviewed research from journals that do not charge author fees.
Critics argue the bill could block important protections, as many reputable scientific journals charge fees, and extensive research has already linked PFAS exposure to serious health risks.
The measure advances amid a broader industry push to prevent sweeping bans on PFAS, chemicals used in products like non-stick cookware and firefighting foam, which have been linked to cancer and developmental issues."