FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 22, 2024

Media Contacts

Cathy Schlingheyde

Staff to Senator Kiehl

Cathy.Schlingheyde@akleg.gov

907-465-6827

Legislation to Prevent New Spills of Toxic PFAS Chemicals Becomes Law

JUNEAU - Today, Senate Bill 67, the bill to prevent new spills of toxic PFAS chemicals, became law. Sponsored by Sen. Jesse Kiehl (D-Juneau) with a companion measure by Rep. Will Stapp (R-Fairbanks), the bill transitions Alaska to safe, PFAS-free firefighting foams. Senate Bill 67 also helps small rural communities safely dispose of this toxic compound.

“All Alaskans deserve clean drinking water,” said Sen. Kiehl. “We have a lot of work to do cleaning up PFAS spills around the state. This law stops new spills and keeps more Alaskans from getting sick from their drinking water.” 

While the new law prevents future spills, cleanup remains a challenge. “Clean water and PFAS contamination remain a serious issue to Fairbanks,” said Rep. Stapp. “This bill is the start of a long journey.”

The PFAS-foam ban will go into effect January 1. Help with toxic foam disposal is expected to begin this year.

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