PFAS Free Military Purchasing Act

Bill: 117-s-1796
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Introduced: 2021-05-25
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Cosmetics and personal care

Hazardous wastes and toxic substances

Military facilities and property

Military procurement, research, weapons development

Public contracts and procurement

Retail and wholesale trades
Latest action: action_date: 2021-05-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

Summaries:
action_date: 2021-05-25
action_desc: Introduced in Senate
text: <p><strong>PFAS Free Military Purchasing Act</strong></p> <p>This bill prohibits the Department of Defense (DOD) from procuring or purchasing specified items (e.g., cleaning products) containing a perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance, commonly referred to as PFAS. These substances are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain the compounds, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing.</p> <p>DOD may not authorize the sale of any specified item containing PFAS on DOD property, such as commissaries or online exchange shops.</p> </p>

tv_txt: II 117th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 1796 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 25, 2021 Mr. Blumenthal (for himself and Mrs. Shaheen ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services A BILL To prohibit procurement, purchasing, and sale by the Department of Defense of certain items containing perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the PFAS Free Military Purchasing Act . 2. Prohibition on procurement, purchasing, and sale by Department of Defense of certain items containing perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl substances (a) Prohibition on procurement and purchasing The Secretary of Defense may not procure or purchase any covered item containing a perfluoroalkyl substance or polyfluoroalkyl substance. (b) Prohibition on sale The Secretary of Defense may not permit the sale of any covered item containing a perfluoroalkyl substance or polyfluoroalkyl substance on property under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense. (c) Definitions In this section: (1) Covered item The term covered item means— (A) non-stick cookware or food service ware for use in galleys or dining facilities; (B) food packaging materials; (C) floor waxes; (D) carpeting, rugs, curtains, or upholstered furniture; (E) personal care items; (F) dental floss or toothpaste; (G) sunscreen; (H) umbrellas, luggage, or bags; (I) ski wax; (J) car wax and car window treatments; (K) cleaning products; and (L) shoes and clothing for which treatment with a perfluoroalkyl substance or polyfluoroalkyl substance is not currently necessary for an essential function. (2) Perfluoroalkyl substance The term perfluoroalkyl substance means a man-made chemical of which all of the carbon atoms are fully fluorinated carbon atoms. (3) Polyfluoroalkyl substance The term polyfluoroalkyl substance means a man-made chemical containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom and at least one nonfluorinated carbon atom. (4) Property under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense The term property under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense includes commissaries, facilities operated by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, the Navy Exchange Service Command, the Navy Resale and Services Support Office, Marine Corps exchanges, online exchange shops, and ships’ stores. (d) Repeal of superseded authority Section 333 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 116–283 ) is repealed. (e) Effective date This section and the amendment made by this section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.