Minnesota Becomes the Second State to Ban PFAS – With A Little Help From Maine
Since 2021, Maine has been the first and only state in the nation to ban the use of ‘forever chemicals’ in all products. Until now!
On May 17, 2023, the Minnesota legislature passed an environment and energy package, HF 2310 “Environment, Natural Resources, Climate, and Energy Finance and Policy Bill,” which includes a total ban on all non-essential uses of PFAS and will phase out the use of PFAS in firefighting foam. According to CBS News, this bill also includes funding to help clean up PFAS contaminated water.
As a leader in the fight against PFAS nationwide, Minnesota’s bill was modeled after Maine’s LD 1503, using almost the same language to impose similar reporting requirements and material restrictions in products such as cookware, cleaning products, and cosmetics.
Defend Our Health played an important role in the passage of LD 1503. Alongside impacted citizens, local leaders, and public officials, Defend consistently urged the Maine Legislature to take immediate action to remedy Maine’s PFAS crisis and to ensure that the health of all Mainers are protected. As a result, Maine became the first state in the nation to ban all non-essential uses of PFAS.
In Maine, we have the well-known story of Fred Stone from Arundel, but in Minnesota they have the story of Amara Strande. Five years ago, Amara was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at the age of 15. Amara and her family lived in the East Metro section, whose drinking water was heavily contaminated with PFAS from the company 3M. Amara linked not only her condition to this contamination, but understood that this was a community wide crisis.
“In my community, I see neighbors and friends who have also been affected by these toxic chemicals. This is not just an individual problem. It’s a community problem, and it’s time for action to be taken. We need stricter regulations on the use of PFAS chemicals and more research to be done on the long-term effects of exposure.”
Amara Strande
Amara Strande passed away in April of 2023 at the age of 20, but her family continues to fight in her name to warn the people of Minnesota and the entire country about the dangers of PFAS contamination.
As of June 2nd, a total of five states have sued 3M over their role in PFAS contamination nationwide, including Maine, Rhode Island, and Maryland. The state of Minnesota sued 3M in December of 2010 and in February of 2018 settled for $850 million.
Amara Strande’s family continues to advocate against PFAS contamination in her name every day. Click here to support her family as they navigate this difficult time.