This bill would provide grants to airports across the country to help them replace firefighting foams that contain PFAS chemicals with safer, PFAS-free alternatives. The grants would cover the costs of purchasing new firefighting equipment and disposing of the old PFAS-containing foams.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill would provide grants to airports across the country to help them replace firefighting foams that contain PFAS chemicals with safer, PFAS-free alternatives. The grants would cover the costs of purchasing new firefighting equipment and disposing of the old PFAS-containing foams.
Last updated: 12/29/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Pollution-Free Aviation Sites Act or the PFAS Act</strong></p><p>This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide grants to Part 139 airports for a per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) replacement program for firefighting foams and related equipment. (Part 139 airports include airports that serve scheduled and unscheduled air carrier operations for aircraft with more than 30 seats or serve scheduled air carrier operations for aircraft with 10-30 seats.) </p><p>DOT must establish the PFAS replacement program within 90 days of the Department of Defense approving a fluorine-free firefighting agent (i.e., an agent that does not contain any PFAS). </p><p>Under the program, DOT must reimburse eligible airport sponsors for the reasonable and appropriate costs associated with the one-time initial acquisition of fluorine-free firefighting alternatives, the disposal of PFAS products as part of the transition to a fluorine-free agent, cleaning or disposal of existing equipment or components, and replacement of aircraft rescue and firefighting equipment.</p><p>DOT must prioritize grants of up to $2 million to replace aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles at specific smaller airports (i.e., Index A airports) that do not have existing capabilities to produce fluorine-free foam. </p><p>DOT must determine the eligibility of costs payable under the PFAS replacement program by taking into account all engineering, technical, and environmental protocols and generally accepted industry standards that are developed or established for fluorine-free foams. 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Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Establishes a PFAS replacement program within the Department of Transportation to help airports transition to PFAS-free firefighting foams and equipment
Provides grants of up to $2 million to smaller 'Index A' airports to replace aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles
Requires DOT to determine reasonable and appropriate costs for the transition that will be covered by the grants
Directs DOT to prioritize grants to airports that do not have the capability to produce PFAS-free foam
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
This bill would benefit airports across the country, especially smaller regional airports, by helping them replace hazardous PFAS chemicals used in firefighting with safer alternatives. It would reduce environmental contamination and health risks for airport workers and nearby communities. The grants would ease the financial burden on airports to make this important transition.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Transportation and Public Works
Related Subjects
Aviation and airports
Fires
First responders and emergency personnel
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Motor vehicles
Transportation safety and security
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
5356, 119th Congress (2025). "National Infrastructure Bank Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-5356
