Prohibits the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in photovoltaic modules

• Republican4

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Pamela Helming says this is needed

Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are often called "forever chemicals" due to their persistence, toxicity, and bioaccumulative nature. Accord- ing to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, long-term PFAS exposure has been linked to serious health conditions such as reproduc- tive issues, developmental delays in children, and increased risk of cancer. Additionally, PFAS have emerged as a real and growing concern to our natural world. The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation considers contaminated water sources as one of the main pathways for public exposure to PFAS and continues to study those levels of exposure. While PFAS are not a required component in manufacturing solar panels, they can still be used for self-cleaning functions, bolstering durabili- ty, mechanical strength, and resistance to harsh environmental condi- tions. In 2021, the Town of Avon adopted a local law to prohibit the use of solar panels that contain any amount of PFAS. The Town recognized that with emerging solar projects, regulations are necessary in order to protect the health and welfare of residents and our natural environment. This legislation would continue those efforts at a state level by prohibiting the use of solar panels that contain any amount of PFAS in New York. Our state has recently made efforts to phase out the use of PFAS in different commodities, including food packaging, menstrual products, and apparel. Similar regulations on PFAS-containing solar panels will help ensure that our state's energy production does not unintentionally compromise the safety of our state's water sources, wildlife, or residents.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.