Bill Banning PFAS Foam Sale Touted By Legislator. What Bucks, Montco Towns Are Impacted

WARMINSTER, PA. — A bipartisan bill co-sponsored by a Bucks County lawmaker would prohibit the manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of firefighting foam containing toxic PFAS chemicals starting next year.

State Rep. Brian Munroe, D-Bucks, said the legislation includes provisions to help fire companies responsibly dispose of existing PFAS-laden foam.

The "forever chemicals" have shown up in numerous towns in Bucks and Montgomery counties.

Under the proposal, fire departments would be permitted to use state grant funding to cover disposal costs.

Additionally, the bill directs the Office of the State Fire Commissioner to work closely with the Department of Environmental Protection to ensure the safe handling and disposal of banned materials. Violations of the prohibition would result in fines, with proceeds going directly to firefighter training programs.

Horsham Township and surrounding communities have dealt with PFAS chemicals from the former Willow Grove Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base.

Those communities include: Horsham, Abington, Upper Dublin, Hatboro, and Upper Moreland in Montgomery County, and Ivyland, Warminster, Warrington, Northampton, Upper Southampton, and Warwick in Bucks County.

PFAS —or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances —are synthetic chemicals linked to a range of serious health risks, including cancer and environmental contamination.

The chemicals are often found in Class B firefighting foams, which have historically been used to combat flammable liquid fires, particularly on military bases and at airports.

A two-time cancer survivor, Munroe has been a vocal advocate for PFAS reform. In September, he co-hosted a joint policy hearing at the Warminster Township Building to examine the impact of PFAS and discuss legislative solutions.

The region, including Warminster, Warrington, Ivyland, and New Britain, is among the most heavily affected areas in the country due to legacy PFAS contamination at former and active military bases.

“As a former firefighter, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of PFAS —on our water, our health and our communities,” Munroe said. “This legislation is a commonsense step to protect firefighters and ensure safe, clean drinking water for future generations. We now have effective, PFAS-free alternatives – it's time to transition responsibly.”

Munroe, a Navy veteran, has been directly affected by PFAS exposure in his career.

“I’ve fought fires where this foam was used, and I’ve seen the long-term dangers of these chemicals,” Munroe added. “This legislation isn’t just about banning something dangerous – it’s about helping our fire companies adapt, disposing of harmful chemicals the right way, and investing in the future of public safety.”

The Department of Defense and many large fire departments across Pennsylvania have already begun switching to PFAS-free foam, which is available at competitive prices and offers effective fire suppression.

The bill, which has 15 cosponsors, has not yet been assigned a bill number or committee.

Munroe represents the 144th Legislative District comprised of Ivyland, Warminster, Warrington and part of New Britain Township.