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2026 Analysis

PFAS “forever chemicals” policies lead in 2026

Insights and Predictions for 2026

PFAS “forever chemicals” policies lead in 2026

Nearly everyone in the United States has PFAS “forever chemicals” in their bodies. These persistent toxic chemicals contaminate food, drinking water, farmland, and everyday products, and do not break down in the environment.

States are responding with class-based restrictions, disclosure requirements, and cleanup programs. While retailer commitments and earlier state policies have reduced some uses, PFAS contamination remains widespread.

Why PFAS “forever chemicals” matter 

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are used in both manufacturing and finished products such as cookware, food packaging, carpets, clothing, firefighting foams, and industrial processes. They are known as “forever chemicals” because of their remarkable persistence and mobility—they do not break down in the environment and can move through soil to contaminate drinking water, making them global pollutants.

Scientific research links exposure to weakened immune systems, cancer, reproductive harm, and other serious health harms. The extremely low federal drinking water standards finalized in 2024 underscore their high toxicity. State leadership is increasingly critical as federal implementation of those drinking water standards remains uncertain.

Defining PFAS scientifically

Currently, 24 states have adopted a common, scientifically grounded definition of the class of forever chemicals. However, some PFAS manufacturers and users have attempted to weaken protections by narrowing the definition in ways that would exclude certain widely used PFAS, including PFAS plastic (referred to as fluoropolymers) and fluorinated gases.

Chemical industry-backed efforts to weaken PFAS regulations are likely to continue in 2026.

Anticipated PFAS policy and regulations 

In 2026, at least 31 states will likely consider policies addressing forever chemicals, ranging from bans in products to water standards, sludge spreading restrictions, and cleanup funding. These states include Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Map of the United States showing states in yellow expected to take action on PFAS forever chemicals in 2026. Other states are shown in gray.

Prevention-based policies

 

Prevention-based policies under consideration in 2026
  • At least 17 states will likely consider 50 policies that would phase out unnecessary uses of all forever chemicals, eliminate their use in specific product categories, and/or require disclosure in selected products. These states include Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia.
    • Essential Elements addressed: Transparency and Ban the Bad

These policies continue the trend of states advancing comprehensive product restrictions on forever chemicals, building on policies already adopted in Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Minnesota, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. Additionally, Washington is evaluating safer alternatives and potential regulatory actions for forever chemicals in six product categories, including paint, cookware, and artificial turf.

Some of the product categories being prioritized by states include cosmetics and personal care products, textiles, cleaning products, waxes and polishes, cookware, and artificial turf. These policies build on state actions taken over the last several years.

  • At least 15 states will likely consider 20 policies providing protections for firefighters by restricting the use of forever chemicals in firefighting foam and/or personal protective equipment (PPE). These states include Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Vermont, and Virginia.
    • Essential Elements addressed: Transparency and Ban the Bad

Forever chemicals in firefighting foam are a leading source of drinking water contamination and although there has been significant progress toward safer foams, PFAS-containing foams remain in use in many states, particularly at airports and other industrial facilities. Additionally, PFAS are used in firefighters’ personal protective equipment. Firefighters and scientists are concerned that forever chemicals and other toxic substances contribute to cancer, the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths among firefighters.

Accountability and cleanup 

PFAS contamination is widespread in water systems around the country, and states are leading efforts to assess the scope of pollution and secure resources to manage it.

More than 143 million people in the U.S. are estimated to be drinking PFAS-contaminated drinking water and it will cost taxpayers billions of dollars to mitigate and clean up PFAS pollution in states. Additionally, sewage sludge, widely used as fertilizer and referred to as “biosolids” by industry, is often heavily contaminated with toxic chemicals, including forever chemicals. When applied to farmland, this contaminated sludge pollutes the soil and can transfer toxic chemicals into the food supply.

A key element of a long-term strategy for a healthier future is identifying and managing sources of pollution, cleaning up existing contamination, and holding polluters accountable. With this goal in mind, states will likely consider policies that:

  • Require testing and monitoring of forever chemicals in water.
  • Set enforceable drinking water limits for forever chemicals.
  • Regulate industrial discharges of forever chemicals.
  • Require testing of and restrict forever chemicals in sludge applied to farmland and forests.
  • Designate resources for forever chemicals cleanup.
Accountability and pollution management policies under consideration in 2026
  • At least 20 states will consider 47 policies that would require testing, monitoring, and/or disclosure of forever chemicals in water, or setting limits on industrial discharges. These states include Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
    • Essential Elements addressed: Transparency and Accountability

Many of these policies will codify the health-protective federal drinking water limits finalized in 2024, while others would establish new limits or require disclosure of forever chemical discharges into local waters.

  • At least 13 states will consider 26 policies addressing forever chemicals in sludge. These states include Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Virginia.
    • Essential Elements addressed: Transparency and Accountability

Because forever chemicals do not break down and pollution sources are highly diffuse, these chemicals accumulate in sewage sludge remaining after treatment. When this sludge is spread on farmland, it can contaminate the soil and threaten farmer livelihoods. States are stepping up by requiring testing, labeling fertilizers made from sludge, and/or creating resources to support farmers who are affected by contamination.

  • At least 10 states will consider 24 policies that designate resources for forever chemicals cleanup and/or research into solutions. These states include Arizona, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island.
    • Essential Elements addressed: Accountability and Investing in Safer Solutions

Local jurisdictions are struggling to address widespread forever chemicals contamination, and states are stepping up efforts to provide resources. To date, at least 30 state attorneys general have filed lawsuits against forever chemicals manufacturers and certain users to help clean up polluted water, air, and soil. The policies under consideration this year would provide funding to local water agencies or well owners to clean up forever chemicals. Additional policies under consideration include providing funding for research to eliminate forever chemicals, study their impacts, or identify and advance PFAS-free solutions.

  • At least three states will consider seven policies focusing on holding polluters accountable. These states include Minnesota, Michigan, and North Carolina. These policies would impose fees or taxes on polluters, and/or require them to clean up existing contamination. 
    • Essential Elements addressed: Accountability

Table of Contents

  1. I.Key trends for 2026
  2. II.Laws going into effect in 2026
  3. III.PFAS “forever chemicals” policies lead in 2026
  4. IV.Beyond PFAS: class-based approach for toxic chemicals and plastics
  5. V.State authority under threat: Preemption and the future of chemical safety
  6. VI.Methodology
  7. VII.Conclusion: States will continue to lead the way
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