Everybody wants clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, safer homes to live in, and safe food to eat. This shared expectation crosses every community and every state: everyone deserves to live in a world where health comes first and the rules work for people, not polluters.
This year made something very clear: people are tired of toxic chemicals and they are demanding action. Families want safer homes for their children. Communities want clean water and air. Farmers want to grow food and make a living without fear of contaminated land and animals. And in 2025, states once again proved that when leaders listen to their communities, ignore industry spin, and put health over profit, real and measurable progress is possible.
States Lead the Way — and Follow Through
In 2025, states continued to move forward with strong, health-protective policies.
Across the country, policymakers advanced policies to phase out harmful chemicals, strengthen the public’s right to know, and reduce plastic pollution at the source. States continued to lead where federal laws are under attack by the chemical industry, especially as new science underscored urgent risks, from PFAS increasing miscarriage rates to microplastics being found in rain and even in our brains.
This year, 13 states adopted 31 policies aimed at reducing exposure to toxic chemicals and advancing safer solutions. Examples include:
- Illinois, Vermont, Washington, and others reduced exposure to PFAS by expanding bans across consumer goods ranging from apparel to cookware to menstrual products and more.
- States strengthened the public’s right to know by requiring labels for hair relaxers in Arkansas, while Illinois adopted a policy to require disclosure on PFAS-containing firefighting gear.
- North Carolina advanced restrictions on DEHP and other phthalates in IV tubing and medical bags, products people reasonably assume are safe because they are used in hospitals.
State leadership extended beyond adopting new laws to the critical work of rulemaking and implementation. This follow-through shows that states aren’t just leading on policy, but ensuring they deliver meaningful, lasting health protections. Examples include:
- Washington adopted new rules under its Safer Products for Washington program that expanded PFAS restrictions in apparel and accessories, automotive washes, and cleaning products. The rule also requires manufacturers to report if they use PFAS in nine other product categories.
- Minnesota upheld the integrity of Amara’s Law by rejecting industry attempts to weaken it.
- Maine adopted rules to define what uses of PFAS are avoidable and moved forward with restrictions, rejecting industry attempts to exempt cookware from its PFAS products law.
Momentum also continued to grow around addressing plastic pollution, with states targeting microplastics and hazardous packaging materials.
- California advanced a groundbreaking policy to ban microplastics in cleaning supplies, cosmetics, and fertilizers.
- Washington prioritized PVC/PVDC plastic packaging for possible regulatory action under its Safer Products law and is evaluating safer alternatives.
- New York, North Carolina, and Minnesota introduced policies to restrict toxic chemicals in packaging.
While not all of these policies crossed the finish line, they send a clear signal: momentum is building for policies that eliminate toxic chemicals, reduce plastics use and additives, and accelerate the transition to safer chemicals and materials.
This Progress Reflects What People Want
These powerful wins reflect deep, bipartisan demand for a world without harmful chemicals. Recent national polling shows that 83% of voters are concerned about safe drinking water, and 84% are concerned about healthy air. Support for keeping existing strong protections in place is also strong. A 2024 poll by the Environmental Protection Network found that 86% of all voters oppose attempts to weaken the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In fact, voters want Congress to increase funding for the EPA so that the agency can continue doing work to protect our health.
Voters want the right to know what they are being exposed to. They want accountability. They want prevention. And they want rules that protect their health, not polluter profits.
The Work Continues
This year showed what’s possible, and what’s at stake. The chemical industry continues to fight efforts to eliminate the most harmful chemicals, inform the public about the harms of their chemicals, and delay accountability. The chemical lobby continues to advocate for outdated practices, even when safer alternatives already exist. These tactics are designed to create doubt, stall progress, and keep communities in the dark about what is harming them and their children.
But states showed that progress is both practical and popular. When leaders listen to their communities and rely on clear, fair, and science-based rules, they can prevent harm before it happens.
Looking Ahead
As we enter 2026, we are reminded that change happens because people demand it and leaders choose to act on it. Next year is poised to be one of the most important yet, with major health protective policies going into effect across the country. The momentum is real. The public mandate is strong. And the need to protect health has never been greater.
Everyone deserves to live in a world where health comes first. This year states moved us closer to that reality. Next year, they can go even further.
Stay up to date on health protective policies by visiting Safer States’ Bill Tracker, where you can follow policies advancing across the country.
