General Assembly orders plan to phase out airport PFAS

March 12, 2026

Read the full article by Patrick Larsen (VPN)

"State Sen. Lashresce Aird (D–Petersburg) is carrying a bill that advocates hope could set a model for eliminating a source of PFAS, commonly known as "forever chemicals."

Virginia's environment is contaminated with these per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The chemical compounds have been used since the 1940s and are found in everything from rainproof clothing to non-stick cookware to car tires — and firefighting foam.

Studies show that the chemicals appear to have a range of health and environmental impacts: They may be responsible for decreased fertility, increased cancer risk and a reduced ability to fight infections. Once they find their way into the environment, they don't break down or do so very slowly, hence the "forever" moniker."