AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) – Members of the public had the opportunity on Monday in Augusta to speak on a bill concerning PFAS which some call ‘forever chemicals.’

The bill would match Maine’s definition of PFAS to one of the qualifications used federally.

According to supporters, the current definition restricts any chemical with one fluorinated carbon. They add some of the qualified substances could lead to harm, but the current definition also restricts helpful prescriptions, pesticides, and more.

Among those who spoke against the bill was the Department of Environmental Protection.

“L.D. 1982 would reduce the number of PFAS compounds that are covered by many laws that protect Maine property owners, including farmers, and prevent PFAS from continuing to contaminate Maine’s environment,” commented Commissioner of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection Melanie Loyzim.

“By having a different definition of PFAS, Maine farmers won’t be allowed to use the same pesticides as other states, and will be at a competitive disadvantage. In fact, in order to afford food, we will have to import it from the states that use the D.E.P.’s definition of PFAS,” stated Rep. Amy Bradstreet Arata, R-New Gloucester.

The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry also spoke against the bill specifically addressing the issues with limiting pesticides for farmers but not seeing this proposal as the answer.

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