Rockland Reporter

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a collection of bipartisan bills introduced by Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), Salud Carbajal’s (D-CA-24), and Derrick Van Orden (R-WI-03). These bills aim to mitigate the risk of persistent chemicals near airports. The bills are part of the bicameral aviation policy package now on its way to President Joe Biden’s desk for his signature.

The 'Clean Airport Agenda' encompasses the Pollution-Free Aviation Sites (PFAS) Act, which sets up a grant program to aid airports in replacing firefighting foams containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The agenda also includes the Save Our Airports Reporting Act, which mandates regular progress reports from federal agencies as airports phase out these enduring chemicals.

Congressman Lawler stated, “I’m pleased that the Pollution-Free Aviation Sites (PFAS) Act and the Save our Airports Reporting Act has been incorporated into this year’s FAA Reauthorization Act. I was proud to join my colleagues Representatives Carbajal and Van Orden to introduce this legislation last year, which will facilitate the transition of our nation’s airports away from the use of PFAS-containing foams, helping ensure the safety of travelers, airport staff, and surrounding communities."

Congressman Carbajal added, “Clean and safe drinking water is paramount to protecting the health of our communities. But our regional airports pose risks to that threat through no fault of their own. Their use of foams containing PFAS chemicals was a requirement of the federal government... My Clean Airport Agenda not only gives these airports a helping hand to transition to safer firefighting foams but it also ensures we are holding federal agencies accountable for their plans to phase out these toxic tools."

Congressman Van Orden expressed his support stating, “The federal government is long overdue in their work to combat the PFAS contamination they created. My constituents, and Americans across the nation, should be able to access safe, clean water."

The 'Clean Airport Agenda' is included in the bicameral aviation policy legislation under sections 762 and 767. Last week, this legislation passed through the Senate. Following its passage in the House today, it is expected to be signed into law before the current authorization expires on May 17.