The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) has petitioned the state's Environmental Improvement Board to adopt new rules under the PFAS Protection Act. These proposed regulations aim to phase out and eventually ban consumer products containing intentionally added PFAS, establish labeling requirements for such products, and set reporting obligations for manufacturers.
James Kenney, Secretary of NMED, said that these measures are intended to prevent toxic PFAS chemicals from entering everyday environments. "These rules will prevent toxic PFAS chemicals from unknowingly entering the places where we live, work and play," he said. The rules target a range of products including cookware, food packaging, furniture, cleaning supplies, adult hygiene products, baby clothes, and toys.
Majority Whip Dayan Hochman-Vigil emphasized the goal of House Bill 212: "With the passage of House Bill 212, we had one clear objective – to safeguard New Mexicans from dangerous added toxins, PFAS, in everyday products." Senator Jeff Steinborn highlighted the long-term risks associated with PFAS exposure: "Data has shown that these dangerous cancer-causing chemicals persist in the human body and in the environment for a very long time."
The act outlines a timeline for prohibiting certain products with intentionally added PFAS by 2027 and expands this prohibition to additional items like cosmetics and carpets by 2028. By 2032, all non-exempt products containing these chemicals will be banned from sale in New Mexico. The legislation also mandates that manufacturers label their products so consumers can make informed choices.
The Environmental Improvement Board is an independent entity responsible for adopting regulations administered by NMED. If approved by the board, these rules would take effect in July 2026. A public comment portal is open for feedback on the proposed rules. Additionally, NMED will host a virtual public meeting on October 22 at 1 p.m. to discuss these proposals further.
For more information about state actions related to PFAS or to register for the public meeting, visit NMED's updated webpage on PFAS-related activities.
Meanwhile, according to KRQE, NMED confirmed that Las Vegas drinking water remains safe despite concerns over post-fire runoff affecting water quality.
Information from this article can be found here.
