2025 is turning out to be a landmark year for toxic chemical reform at the state level. So far, ten states have adopted at least 22 policies aimed at reducing exposure to toxic chemicals and advancing safer solutions.
But the numbers only tell part of the story.
Behind these wins are fierce fights against industry pressure, growing bipartisan support for health-protective policies, and state leadership filing critical gaps where federal protections are falling short.
Here are four key trends from this year’s legislative sessions:
1) States are leading the charge to prevent exposure to PFAS, toxic plastics, and other harmful chemicals
States across the country are taking prevention-based actions to stop toxic chemical exposure at the source. Whether its PFAS, plastic additives, or microplastics, this growing momentum reflects a recognition that the best way to protect our health is to eliminate these hazards before they can cause harm.
- Arkansas adopted a policy requiring warning labels on hair relaxers that contain toxic chemicals. This is especially important for women of color who are disproportionately exposed to harmful ingredients in personal care products.
- California is advancing a groundbreaking policy that would ban microplastics in products such as cleaning supplies, cosmetics, and fertilizers. The state also proposed to list microplastics as a toxic substance, paving the way for future regulation.
- Illinois passed two policies to restrict PFAS: one targeting firefighting personal protective equipment and another covering cosmetics, dental floss, juvenile products, menstrual products, and intimate apparel. Both bills are awaiting the Governor’s signature.
- New York passed a policy to restrict toxic chemicals in menstrual products, which is currently awaiting the Governor’s signature. The state also adopted a bill to restrict PFAS in firefighting personal protective equipment.
- North Carolina prohibited the toxic chemical DEHP and other phthalates from IV tubing and bags.
- Oregon restricted PFAS in firefighting foam and adopted a policy prohibiting restaurants and retailers from providing single-use checkout bags.
- Pennsylvania’s House unanimously passed a policy requiring labels on firefighting gear that contains PFAS and prohibiting the use of PFAS in firefighting foam.
- Rhode Island restricted PFAS in firefighter protective gear.
- Vermont expanded PFAS restrictions to include cookware and dental floss.
- Washington took multiple steps to prevent exposure: it proposed regulations on PFAS in 12 product categories through its Safer Products for Washington program, and finalized a new list of priority products including plastic PVC/PVDC packaging to evaluate safer alternatives.
2) States are addressing pollution and cleaning up toxic contamination
While prevention is key, the reality is that many communities are already facing the impacts of toxic contamination. From contaminated drinking water to polluted farmland, the cost of inaction is growing. That’s why states are not only working to clean up contamination, but also making the case for stronger prevention policies. Efforts to manage existing PFAS pollution, fund cleanup, and expand testing and monitoring shines a spotlight on the urgent need to stop toxic chemicals at the source.
Here are how states are addressing pollution:
- Maine established new rules to manage PFAS contamination in landfill leachate, created a PFAS Response Program to support agricultural producers impacted by contamination, and is requiring entities to report their inventory of firefighting foam containing PFAS.
- Minnesota allocated millions for implementation of PFAS regulation, PFAS reduction grants, and more.
- Oregon established a program for the safe disposal of firefighting foam.
- Rhode Island adopted new testing for PFAS in biosolids.
- Virginia adopted new testing and labeling for toxic heavy metals in baby food products and monitoring requirements for PFAS in wastewater.
- Washington launched a new biosolids management program and dedicated funds to PFAS prevention, drinking water mitigation, and cleanup.
3) States are successfully defending hard-won protections
While states make progress, the chemical lobby is working just as hard to roll it back. But this year, lawmakers stood firm.
- Minnesota defeated attempts to weaken Amara’s Law, named after Amara Strande, a young woman who died from cancer and advocated for PFAS protections while battling the disease. This law bans all unnecessary uses of PFAS and the chemical lobby worked overtime to carve out exemptions. Minnesota lawmakers rejected these attempts.
- Maine, Rhode Island, Colorado, and Connecticut defeated attempts to exempt cookware from their PFAS laws. Washington also stopped industry efforts to dramatically weaken existing lead in cookware restrictions.
- Maine, Illinois, and Maryland rejected proposals to narrow the definition of PFAS, refusing to carve out exemptions for fluorinated gases and PFAS plastics—key loopholes that industry pushed for.
These defensive wins are critical. Without them, landmark protections would be gutted before they even take effect.
4) States are stepping up to protect drinking water as federal action falters
In May, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced plans to roll back critical drinking water standards for certain PFAS chemicals. In response, state leaders are stepping up to ensure everyone has access to safe drinking water.
- Delaware’s legislature passed a policy requiring public reporting on PFAS levels using the EPA’s finalized Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). The bill now awaits the governor’s signature.
- Maine codified the federal MCLs into state law, ensuring PFAS protections remain enforceable regardless of federal backtracking.
- Washington is moving forward with rulemaking to address potential gaps left by federal drinking water rollbacks.
This pattern isn’t new. For years, states have been the engine driving national progress on toxic chemicals, setting stronger standards and showing what’s possible when public health takes precedence.
States will continue to lead the way
This year’s legislative and regulatory wins show that, even amid federal uncertainty and chemical lobby pushback, states are continuing to lead the way in protecting communities from toxic chemicals. From advancing strong new policies to defending existing protection, state leaders are prioritizing public health and driving real progress. We anticipate this momentum to continue in the states that still have active legislative sessions.
Check out Safer State’s bill tracker to keep up to date on adopted and moving state legislative policies that help move the needle forward toward achieving a healthier world.
