PRESS RELEASE
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick introduced the bipartisan Protecting Firefighters and Advancing State-of-the-Art Alternatives Act (PFAS Alternatives Act) along with Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06), Congressman Tom Kean (NJ-07), Congressman Anthony D’Esposito (NY-04), Congressman Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-03), and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01).
The PFAS Alternatives Act would:
- Accelerate the development of PFAS-free turnout gear through research, development, and testing of PFAS-free turnout gear materials.
- Facilitate the development of safer turnout gear materials that reduces the dangers firefighters face, including enhanced protection against primary and secondary exposure to particulates and byproducts of combustion; reduced maintenance that includes contamination resistance and greater ease of cleaning; visible warning indicators to alert firefighters to hazardous exposures or the need for decontamination; and consideration of body composition in turnout gear design.
- Support guidance and training for firefighters on best practices for reducing harmful exposures through the proper wearing, cleaning, and caring for next-generation turnout gear.
- Involve the firefighting industry in the development process by requiring grant applicants to utilize the leadership, experience, and knowledge of firefighters to ensure the next-generation turnout gear will be both effective and practical for the everyday demands of firefighting.
The PFAS Alternatives Act would authorize $25 million annually for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028 to support the development of new materials, and an additional $2 million annually to support guidance and training.
