February ’24 at-a-glance … environment

Hawaii, New York join growing list of states seeking to regulate PFAS 

Hawaii HB 1986 seeks to prohibit the sale of numerous items, including “foodservice wares,” with intentionally added PFAS, as of Dec. 31, 2026. Similarly, the State of New York seeks to ban the use of intentionally added PFAS in cookware and other products effective Jan. 1, 2025 in NY S 5648A. 

Washington State expands producer responsibility efforts

Washington State HB 2401 calls for the creation of an extender producer responsibility program for the responsible management of refrigerant gases with a higher global warming potential (GWP) than carbon dioxide. The bill has passed the House and is currently with the Senate. The state is advancing an ambitious producer responsibility agenda. HB 1164 calls for the creation of an appliance disposal extended producer responsibility program for commercial refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers and a number of other residential and commercial appliances. If approved, the program would be required to be operational by July 1, 2027.  

Updated PFAS Strategic Roadmap issued by DOE 

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) updated its PFAS Strategic Roadmap and shared a reminder that PFAS can potentially be found in nonstick coatings; gaskets, O-rings and other parts used in food processing equipment; and as processing aids for food contact polymers to reduce equipment buildup.  

Updated HFC information available on EPA Data Hub 

In keeping with the HFC Allocation Program of the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) data including imports, exports, inventory, and destruction as well as allowance transfers and expenditures. Information is available on the EPA HFC Data Hub.