Advocates hope Minnesota's strict ban on "forever chemicals" could signal stronger national regulations if Tim Walz joins the White House.
Miranda Willson and Ellie Borst report for E&E News.
In short:
- Minnesota passed one of the toughest bans on PFAS, sparking hope that a similar approach could be adopted nationwide if Tim Walz becomes Vice President.
- Walz’s experience with PFAS issues in Minnesota might influence national policy, but legal experts question if a national ban is feasible without congressional support.
- The current federal government has yet to ban any PFAS uses, leaving room for potential new regulations driven by Walz's background.
Key quote:
“The Minnesota law really is the most protective in the country, and maybe even in the world, at this point.”
— Gretchen Salter, strategic adviser at Safer States
Why this matters:
If Tim Walz’s PFAS crackdown in Minnesota is a sign of things to come, a Harris administration could take the fight against “forever chemicals” to a whole new level. Walz’s leadership in banning PFAS has set a precedent that many environmental advocates are watching closely. Read more: 7 things the White House should do to limit PFAS pollution.
