Sen. Ingwersen introduces bill to officially establish first-in-the-nation PFAS response program

AUGUSTA – Yesterday, Sen. Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel, introduced a bill to assist Maine farms impacted by PFAS contamination. LD 130, “An Act to Establish the PFAS Response Program and to Modify the Fund to Address PFAS Contamination,” was the subject of a public hearing before the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry.

“Over the last few years, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry, with support of the Legislature, has built a program to assist farmers impacted by forever chemicals,” said Sen. Ingwersen. “It is abundantly clear that Maine farms have been the hardest hit when it comes to the PFAS contamination crisis. This bill puts into statute the good work that is already happening, and further structures the next evolution of PFAS response that assists farmers and protects public health. Maine has some of the best farms and the healthiest foods in the nation; this bill will help keep it that way.”

LD 130 would formally establish the existing PFAS Response Program at the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. This bill would also establish the Department’s ability to codify maximum level for PFAS in food. The program also includes establishing maximum PFAS levels in farm products, in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services.

“Maine’s PFAS Fund is a robust response to the challenges facing Maine farmers confronted with PFAS contamination,” said Heather Spaulding, Deputy Director of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association in testimony in support of the bill. “It is a national model that has helped contaminated farm businesses pivot management practices so they can stay in business and deliver safe food to Maine people.”

In 2021, the Maine Legislature appropriated $60 million in the budget to help the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry provide resources to farmers who have been impacted by PFAS contamination. The PFAS Advisory Committee is comprised of farmers, researchers and legislators, as well as department staff. It is tasked with supporting farmers whose land and/or water are contaminated with PFAS chemicals. The Committee also supports access to blood testing, mental health care and other health-related initiatives.

LD 130 faces a work session and further action in committee in the coming weeks.