Lawmakers push for stronger regulations on PFAS used in EV batteries

U.S. lawmakers are urging stricter regulations on PFAS, chemicals used in EV batteries, amid concerns over widespread contamination.

Jana Cholakovska reports for The Examination.

In short:

• Two U.S. lawmakers are advocating for tighter controls on PFAS, toxic chemicals found in various products, including EV batteries.
• A bill known as the PFAS Action Act seeks to enforce stricter regulations, but it has yet to pass in the Senate.
• Despite ongoing concerns, companies like Syensqo continue to expand production with government support, raising environmental and health risks.

Key quote:

"PFAS are found in everything from construction materials to cookware to basic household supplies – this isn’t an EV problem, it’s a PFAS problem.”

— Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Why this matters:

PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," pose severe health risks and are difficult to remove from the environment. As the EV industry grows, the unchecked use of these chemicals could lead to long-term public health issues.

Read more:

• Investigation: PFAS on our shelves and in our bodies
• PFAS in Pennsylvania: Impacts and efforts to clean up the chemicals
• Alabama PFAS manufacturing plant creates the climate pollution of 125,000 cars