In case you missed it, the Washington Department of Ecology is accepting comments on the state’s proposed rule to regulate forever chemicals – specifically PFAS – for a few more days. Comments are accepted until July 20 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Ecology made the following announcement:
Safer Products for Washington Cycle 1.5 PFAS Rulemaking
Ecology is conducting a rulemaking for Chapter 173-337 WAC to adopt restrictions and reporting requirements related to the intentional use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Provide comments
You can inform the final rule and rulemaking documents by:
- Submitting comments online starting June 4, 2025, at 12:00 a.m. PT until July 20, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PT.
- Mailing comments to Stacey Callaway, WA Department of Ecology, PO Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600. Submissions must be postmarked by July 20, 2025.
Draft documents available for comment
- Proposed rule
- Preliminary Regulatory Analyses
- Draft SEPA Determination of Non-Significance and Environmental Checklist
We’ll post information provided in a comment or attachment on the internet. To request information in another language or format, contact Wayne Rysavy at SaferProductsWA@ecy.wa.gov or 360-280-5799.
Additional Information
PFAS are a group of toxic chemicals that resist water, stains, and heat. Although those qualities have made them widely used in a range of products, these chemicals have also been shown to build up in people, animals, and the environment over time. They’re often called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment.
People can be exposed to PFAS when they use products with PFAS. Consumer products can also release PFAS into the dust or air. Many PFAS are linked to cancer, reproductive and developmental harm, and toxicity in fish and wildlife.
The proposed rule restricts the intentional use of PFAS in:
- Apparel and accessories.
- Automotive washes.
- Cleaning products.
The proposed rule requires manufacturers to report the intentional use of PFAS in:
- Apparel for extreme and extended use.
- Footwear.
- Gear for recreation and travel.
- Automotive waxes.
- Cookware and kitchen supplies.
- Firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Floor waxes and polishes.
- Hard surface sealers.
- Ski waxes.
The restrictions and reporting requirements would apply to consumer products sold both online and in brick-and-mortar stores.
Next steps
After the comment period, we will review comments, consider revisions to the proposed rule and rulemaking documents, and respond to comments. We expect to decide on rule adoption in November 2025.
How can I learn more?
- Visit our webpages:
- Rulemaking webpage
- Safer Products for Washington webpage
- Safer Products for Washington stakeholder webpage
- Join our email list.
- Review the CR-102 form.
- Review Overview: Cycle 1.5 PFAS Rulemaking to learn more about the Cycle 1.5 PFAS Rulemaking.
- Contact Wayne Rysavy at SaferProductsWA@ecy.wa.gov or 360-280-5799.
Accessibility
The Department of Ecology is committed to providing people with disabilities access to information and services by meeting or exceeding the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Washington State Policy #188. To request ADA accommodation, contact Ecology by phone at 360-407-6700 or email at hwtrpubs@ecy.wa.gov. Call 711 or 877-833-6341 (TTY) for Washington Relay Service. Visit Ecology’s website for more.
