WWMT West Michigan: U.S. Senate passes legislation allowing airports to stop using toxic firefighting foams

WASHINGTON D.C. — Bills to help prevent PFAS contamination are moving through Congress, led by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-Michigan).

The U.S. Senate passed legislation allowing airports to stop using firefighting foams that contain the toxic chemicals.

Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan says current FAA standards require airports to use the foam based on an old department of defense specification.

“It makes no sense that airports should be required to adhere to a military specification that even the Department of Defense deems unsafe,” Sen. Peters, a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, said. “I am pleased that my provision will soon be signed into law, allowing airports to phase out PFAS-based firefighting foam, protecting firefighters, as well as local residents from potential groundwater contamination.”

The Department of Defense is now changing that policy.

The legislation is now headed to the House of Representatives.