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Scott bill ensuring transparency for PFAS chemicals passes Pa. House

Rep. Greg Scott    July 1, 2025 | 3:41 PM

HARRISBURG, July 1 – State Rep. Greg Scott today announced that the Pennsylvania House passed new legislation ensuring that firefighters know when protective gear used in fire mitigation contains toxic PFAS “forever chemicals.”

PFAS that leach into water supplies have been the focus of advocates and legislators for some time. House Bill 1261 would prohibit the manufacture, sale, distribution and use of firefighting foam that contains toxic PFAS chemicals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl manmade substances that have been linked to a wide range of serious health issues, including cancer. It also requires the makers of firefighting gear to clearly label when that gear contains added PFAS chemicals and to provide written notice to the consumer, as recent reports show that firefighters exposed to the chemicals via their protective gear are also experiencing significant long-term health issues.

“As a volunteer firefighter, it was important to me that this bill not only protect the residents who live in areas significantly impacted by PFAS foams, but also the men and women who put their lives on the line when a fire needs to be extinguished,” Scott said. “We’re doing them and ourselves a disservice if we’re not properly informing them of the risks of using PFAS-containing protective gear.”

Manufacturers in violation of the provision could be fined $5,000 to $10,000 by the State Fire Commissioner, with collected fines benefiting the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Programs.

The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

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