PFAS–Free Procurement Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3110
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-30: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-31T08:05:33Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The PFAS-Free Procurement Act of 2025 aims to protect public health and the environment by restricting federal government purchases of certain everyday products that contain harmful chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). It specifically targets two types of PFAS—perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)—which are linked to health risks like cancer and immune system issues, and encourages the use of safer alternatives.
Key Provisions
- Procurement Ban: Heads of executive agencies (federal departments and agencies like the Department of Defense or Health and Human Services) are prohibited from renewing or entering new contracts for "covered items" that contain PFOS or PFOA.
- Priority for PFAS-Free Products: Agencies must prioritize buying covered items that do not contain any PFAS, as long as such options are available and practical.
- Covered Items: This includes:
- Nonstick cookware and cooking utensils.
- Furniture, carpets, and rugs treated with stain-resistant coatings.
- Definitions:
- PFAS: A broad category of synthetic chemicals (perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances) that are persistent in the environment and human body.
- PFOA and PFOS: Specific types of PFAS commonly used in manufacturing for water- and stain-repellent properties.
- Executive Agency: Defined under U.S. law (41 U.S.C. § 133) as federal entities involved in procurement.
- Effective Date: The rules take effect 6 months after the bill becomes law and apply to all contracts entered into after that date.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces new restrictions on federal procurement not previously mandated by law. Prior to this, there were no specific bans on PFOS or PFOA in these product categories for government purchases, though broader EPA regulations exist for PFAS in drinking water and manufacturing. It builds on voluntary guidelines but makes compliance mandatory for federal contracts, shifting from optional to required action.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Agencies will need to review and update procurement processes, potentially increasing costs for PFAS-free alternatives in the short term but reducing long-term health and environmental liabilities from contaminated products.
- On Citizens: Indirect benefits through safer products used in federal facilities (e.g., military bases, government offices), which could reduce exposure to harmful chemicals in public spaces. No direct impact on private consumer purchases.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct effects, though it may influence global standards for PFAS use, as the U.S. is a major buyer of imported goods; suppliers from countries like China (a key producer of PFAS-treated items) may need to adapt.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: Directly responsible for implementing procurement changes.
- Manufacturers and Suppliers: Companies producing or selling covered items must reformulate products or certify PFAS-free status to maintain federal contracts.
- Environmental and Health Advocates: Groups focused on chemical safety (e.g., those pushing for PFAS bans) stand to benefit from reduced government use of these substances.
- Taxpayers and Consumers: Potential cost savings or increases in federal budgets, with broader environmental protections.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens federal authority over procurement under Title 41 of the U.S. Code, potentially setting a precedent for future chemical restrictions in government buying. It aligns with existing environmental laws like the Toxic Substances Control Act but focuses narrowly on procurement rather than outright bans.
- Constitutional: No major challenges anticipated, as it involves Congress's spending power (Article I, Section 8) to regulate federal purchases without infringing on private rights.
- Political: Bipartisan support (introduced by members from both parties) highlights growing consensus on PFAS as a public health issue, but implementation could face pushback from industries reliant on these chemicals, possibly leading to debates over economic costs versus health benefits.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
Cosponsors (11)
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Ryan, Patrick [D-NY-18], Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11], Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1], Rep. Golden, Jared F. [D-ME-2], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3], Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2], Rep. Latimer, George [D-NY-16]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-30: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-04-30: Introduced in House
- 2025-04-30: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- PFAS–Free Procurement Act of 2025 — issued 2025-04-30 — PDF (3 pages)