A proposed Tennessee bill would restrict state agencies from enacting regulations on hazardous chemicals, including PFAS, unless lawmakers prove the rules are based on “sound science.”
Cassandra Stephenson reports for Tennessee Lookout.
In short:
- The bill, backed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, would prevent Tennessee from enacting chemical regulations stricter than federal standards unless they are supported by peer-reviewed research from journals that do not charge author fees.
- Critics argue the bill could block important protections, as many reputable scientific journals charge fees, and extensive research has already linked PFAS exposure to serious health risks.
- The measure advances amid a broader industry push to prevent sweeping bans on PFAS, chemicals used in products like non-stick cookware and firefighting foam, which have been linked to cancer and developmental issues.
Key quote:
“Today, all kids are born with some PFAS in their bodies, and that wasn’t the case 20 years ago.”
— Suzanne Fenton, director of the Center for Human Health and the Environment at North Carolina State University
Why this matters:
Found in everything from nonstick cookware to firefighting foam, PFAS chemicals have been linked to serious health concerns, including cancer, immune system suppression, and developmental issues in children.These chemicals have seeped into drinking water supplies across the country, triggering a patchwork response from state governments. Some states have imposed strict limits, while others — like Tennessee — have yet to establish enforceable standards.
A proposed bill addressing PFAS reflects a broader national debate: Public health advocates argue for stronger protections, citing mounting evidence of harm, while industry groups warn that tighter regulations could come with economic consequences.
