What They Are Saying… About Maine’s PFAS In Products Law
As Maine moves toward implementing LD 1503, a PFAS in Products reporting program and eventual product ban, bipartisan policymakers and local businesses say the law poses insurmountable compliance challenges. Read what Mainers are saying about how the PFAS in Products law will impact businesses and why its scope should be narrowed and amended to prioritize high-risk compounds.
“Maine businesses say PFAS reporting requirement is ‘unworkable’”, “seek changes in state’s first-in-the-nation PFAS ban”
Bangor Daily News: “Maine’s economy will take a big hit if changes are not made to a law mandating companies to report the content of PFAS in products they sell in the state, business leaders said…” (Bangor Daily News, 1/29/24)
Maine State Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Patrick Woodcock “called the upcoming notification requirement a ‘serious threat to all Maine businesses.’ Woodcock said many businesses will be unable to obtain information from suppliers around the globe for, in some cases, thousands of parts.” (Maine Public Radio, 1/19/24)
“I have been told by major employers that if this is not changed, they will rethink their long-term relationship with the state of Maine” (VOM, 2/7/24)
Linda Caprara, vice president of advocacy for the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, expressed concern that “unchanged, the PFAS law the Legislature passed in 2021 will hinder Maine’s climate action efforts and stand in the way of its ability to meet important goals, including installing 275,000 high-efficiency heat pumps by 2027…” (Portland Press Herald, 3/20/24)
“Yet, because Maine’s current law defines PFAS so broadly, existing heat pump technology will be banned in Maine unless the law is revised.” (Portland Press Herald, 3/20/24)
Chris Kilgour, CEO and founder of C&L Aviation Group “told reporters trying to track down the PFAS compounds at a huge expense could make it impossible for the company to operate in Maine.” (News Center Maine, 1/29/24)
“Trade groups like the Maine Marine Trades Association and businesses such as Idexx… think the state should focus on eliminating PFAS from consumer products that have safer ingredient options available rather than targeting highly regulated advanced manufacturing processes.” (Portland Press Herald, 1/29/24)
“Stacey Keefer, executive director of the marine group whose members include boat builders, said Maine is such a small state that many parts manufacturers won't likely comply with a manufacturer's request for information on PFAS in their products.” (Maine Public Radio, 1/19/24)
“Maine’s boating industry wants to eliminate as much PFAS from the environment as possible, as fast as it can, but it is not big enough to force global parts manufacturers to test their products for the compounds, much less eliminate them…” (Portland Press Herald, 1/29/24)
Aaron Morrison, Morrison Plumbing & Heating [Turner, ME]: “Maine’s current definition of PFAS is overly broad and makes compliance unrealistic for small businesses.” (Sun Journal, 11/24/23)
Shanna Cox, Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce president and CEO: “It is not just the billion-dollar corporations that Maine’s ban will affect; there are a lot of small businesses in the middle, and they need help.” (Portland Press Herald, 10/4/23)
“Maine’s PFAS law should …target dangerous products without harming our economy”
Rep. Mike Lajoie: “…Maine’s first-of-its-kind law regulating the presence of PFAS in Products poses serious, often insurmountable, challenges to an array of businesses and critical services that citizens depend on, without adequately addressing environmental concerns.” (Sun Journal, 12/32/23)
“Rather than a sweeping ban on the entire PFAS class, Maine should narrow the law’s scope and prioritize compounds with high-risk profiles.” (Sun Journal, 12/32/23)
Rep. Jim Dill: “As lawmakers move forward with implementation, a discussion around a practical risk-based policy is sorely needed to sustain Maine’s economic progress and effectively address environmental contamination issues that create public health concerns.” (Bangor Daily News, 9/21/23)
Fmr. Sen. Rod Whittemore: “…[E]xperts in the federal government have cautioned against such an unrealistic class-based approach. …These comments make clear that taking a risk-based approach will allow Maine to become the nationwide leader in sustainable and responsible PFAS management.” (Centralmaine.com, 2/7/24)
Sen. Joe Baldacci & Chris Kilgour [C&L Aviation Group]: “Maine’s PFAS law should be amended to target dangerous products without harming our economy” (Bangor Daily News, 11/27/23)
“The amended law should address PFAS in products that have the most direct contact with human health, while also protecting our ability to access essential products and achieve our renewable energy and climate goals. A blanket ban on PFAS at this time is not possible, even with the best technology available.” (Bangor Daily News, 11/27/23)
Andre Cushing, chair of the Penobscot County Commission: “It is time to develop a policy approach that is fact-based, scientific and assesses risk while recognizing the high value and benefits these compounds bring to society.” (Bangor Daily News, 7/18/23)
