Minnesota House passes environmental omnibus bill, including legislation banning PFAS

April 18, 2023

Read the full article by WCCO STAFF (CBS MINNESOTA)

"The Minnesota House on Monday night passed the state's largest-ever investment in natural resources and the environment, including legislation that prohibits dangerous "forever chemicals."

PFAS is the scientific name for a family of 5,000 chemicals that never break down. They can be toxic and and are found in everyday products like cookware, cosmetics, and cleaning supplies.

The chemicals are often used in manufacturing and are linked to some cancers. The bill would prohibit the sale of PFAS used in carpets, cleaning products, cookware, cosmetics, dental floss, furniture and more starting in 2025. It would also ban all non-essential use of PFAS by 2032.

"While I feel a sense of relief knowing we took a big step of progress today, my heart is heavy knowing the effects of PFAS have already taken a toll on Minnesota families," said Rep. Jeff Brand, DFL-St. Peter, who authored the bill."