Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce approved the PFAS Action Act of 2021, which would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to designate PFAS substances as hazardous. The bill currently provides an exemption from liability for 139 airports whose use of such substances were required by the FAA or carried out in accordance with FAA standards and guidance.
NATA is working to expand that exemption to include general aviation airports, as well as FBOs, MROs, and hangar master tenants who were required by ordinance, policy, or airport lease terms to maintain hangar foam fire-suppression systems containing PFAS.
The House of Representatives could take up the bill as early as next week as part of the INVEST in America Act, a $715 billion surface transportation and water infrastructure bill.
As always, NATA will keep you informed of further developments and will continue to advocate for common sense measures to eliminate PFAS foam mandates and protect aviation businesses from costly liability.