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HF1869 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Prohibitions of certain PFAS-containing firefighting foam at airport hangars delayed.

Related bill: SF2408

AI Generated Summary

This bill, H.F. No. 1869, proposes to amend Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 325F.072, subdivision 3, to delay the prohibition of firefighting foam containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for use at airport hangars.

Key Provisions:

  1. Existing Prohibition on PFAS Foam: The law currently prohibits the manufacture, sale, distribution, or use of class B firefighting foam containing PFAS in Minnesota, except where federal law mandates its use.

  2. Existing Exemptions: The prohibition does not apply to airports until the state fire marshal determines that:

    • The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued guidance for transitioning to fluorine-free firefighting foam.
    • Fluorine-free foam is listed in the FAA's Qualified Product Database.
    • Such foam is commercially available in sufficient quantities to meet regulatory requirements.

  3. New Proposed Delays:

    • The bill delays the ban on the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam at airport hangars until January 1, 2028.
    • Operators of airport hangars can apply for a one-year extension if they demonstrate a need for additional time due to circumstances beyond their control.
    • The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the state fire marshal must approve such extensions, ensuring environmental and public safety protections.

  4. Reporting Requirement for Airports:

    • Until the state fire marshal makes determinations under existing exemptions, airports using PFAS-containing foam must submit annual reports by December 31 each year.
    • The report must detail progress on converting to PFAS-free foam, disposal practices for PFAS-containing foam, and an assessment of transition feasibility.

Summary:

This bill seeks to postpone the ban on PFAS-containing class B firefighting foam at airport hangars until at least 2028, with the possibility of extensions. It aligns with federal regulations and ongoing industry transitions while maintaining environmental and public safety oversight.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 04, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEnvironment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
March 05, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Provides exemptions and criteria for using PFAS-containing foam in airports until certain federal guidance is issued."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "No significant removals; primarily adds conditions and updates applicability."
      ],
      "summary": "Amends the prohibition on PFAS-containing firefighting foam under section 325F.072, subdivision 3, with specific exemptions and conditions.",
      "modified": [
        "Alters applicability timeline for airport hangars until January 1, 2028, and grants extensions under specific conditions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "325F.072"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies what constitutes an 'airport' for the purposes of exemptions."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "No elements removed directly related to this citation."
      ],
      "summary": "Reference to the definition of an airport relevant to exemptions for PFAS-containing foam use.",
      "modified": [
        "Provides context for exemptions based on airport operations."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "360.013"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "References federal requirements allowing exemptions for certain PFAS foam usage."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "No elements removed directly related to this citation."
      ],
      "summary": "Exempts certain firefighting foams required by federal regulations from state prohibitions.",
      "modified": [
        "Assesses timeline for exemption removal if federal requirements are revoked."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "CFR title 14, section 139.317"
  }
]

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