New York’s PFAS Battle: What Lawmakers Did—and Didn’t—Do This Session

As New York’s legislative session comes to a close, the fight against PFAS contamination—those toxic “forever chemicals” linked to serious health risks—is far from over.

Despite early leadership in regulating PFAS in drinking water and consumer products, the state continues to grapple with widespread pollution from over 1,200 industrial sites, contaminated landfills, firefighting foam, and everyday items. With federal standards delayed and the health and economic costs in New York estimated in the billions, advocates say the need for bold state action has never been more urgent.

Kate Donovan, Director of Northeast Environmental Health at the Natural Resources Defense Council, addressed what happened this session in Albany, where New York stands in the national fight against PFAS, and what’s at stake for communities still living with the consequences.

Image: Kate Donovan, Director for Northeast Environmental Health at NRDC, speaks at a May 2024 rally at the state Capitol as activists and lawmakers call for the passage of bills that would eliminate PFAS from consumer and household products. (Credit: Times Union)