Bill > H732

This bill, the Responsible Firefighting Foam Management Act, aims to protect firefighters in North Carolina from exposure to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) chemicals. It prohibits the use of firefighting foams containing PFAS chemicals for training purposes and requires manufacturers to recall and reimburse any PFAS-containing firefighting foams sold in the state by March 1, 2024. The bill also mandates that manufacturers of firefighting personal protective equipment provide written notice if their products contain PFAS chemicals. It grants a temporary waiver for petroleum product terminals to use PFAS-containing foams if no commercially available alternative is capable of suppressing large fires, but requires strict containment measures to prevent environmental release. The bill authorizes the Office of the State Fire Marshal to provide technical assistance to state agencies and local governments to avoid purchasing PFAS-containing firefighting products and to prioritize PFAS-free equipment.