Reps. Pingree, Moore Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Outdoor Retailers Phase Out Toxic Forever Chemicals

February 4, 2025

Read the full article by Tolly Taylor (WBALTV)

"U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Blake Moore (R-Utah) today introduced the bipartisan Protect Our Clothes from PFAS Act, which would make it easier for outdoor retailers to sell safer apparel that does not contain Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, or PFAS. The bill aims to eliminate a significant trade barrier that currently penalizes companies for choosing environmentally friendly alternatives to these harmful "forever chemicals" in water-resistant apparel.

“Mainers have come to know how dangerous forever chemicals can be to our health and to the environment. I’m proud that Maine’s outdoor retailers are working to phase out PFAS despite the disparity in duty rates, but we want to level the playing field for companies who are moving towards safer alternatives,” said Pingree. “Our bipartisan Protect Our Clothes from PFAS Act will make it easier for retailers to choose safer alternatives that ensure their waterproof garments are not contributing to the contamination of our food and water, or the rise in cancer and other diseases linked to PFAS exposure. It's a commonsense solution that aligns our trade policy with public health—and incentivizes businesses to do the right thing.”

“The outdoor recreation industry is critical to Utah’s economy, and waterproof apparel is essential to outdoor recreationalists and workers. It makes no sense to punish companies and their consumers with an outdated tariff code that keeps dangerous PFAS chemicals in our clothing,” said Moore. “By fixing a loophole in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, this bill will help leverage U.S. trade policy for good and provide the necessary incentives for outdoor apparel companies to adopt healthier practices and safer value chains.”