PFAS Phaseouts Pose National Security Risk, Pentagon Says
In a new report to Congress, the Defense Department (DOD) is warning that mounting regulatory pressure on PFAS and a “dwindling number of domestic PFAS manufacturers” pose a growing threat to national security. “An increasing number of mission critical PFAS and PFAS-enabled products are at risk for obsolescence due to market phase outs; manufacturer liability; […]
DOD Requests Information on Chemicals Undergoing TSCA Risk Evaluation
Last month, the Defense Department (DOD) issued a request for information (RFI) seeking input on critical military uses of 11 chemicals currently undergoing Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) risk evaluation. The “ability to identify critical applications earlier in the TSCA Section 6 risk evaluation process will allow [DOD] to investigate the availability of alternatives, inform […]
GAO Releases Report on PFAS-Related Recommendations
In September 2023, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a three-page report detailing the recommendations it has previously made to government agencies for the purposes of “detecting, limiting exposure to, and treating PFAS contamination.” GAO describes the following recommendations it made to EPA, FDA, and Department of Defense (DOD), respectively: In September 2022, GAO recommended […]
DOD and FAA Approve Use of a PFAS-Free Fire Suppressant
This September, the Department of Defense (DOD) announced the approval of the first PFAS-free foam for firefighting activities at military installations. The approval is an important step in phasing out the use of PFAS-containing aqueous film forming foams (AFFFs), which are used to extinguish liquid fires. The day after the foam received DOD approval, the […]
Biden Administration Announces Goals to Advance Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing
Last month, the Biden Administration announced “new bold goals and priorities” to promote American biotechnology and biomanufacturing. The announcement comes after a September 2022 executive order intended to bolster biotechnological innovation. “Biomanufacturing – or the use of biological systems to produce goods and services at commercial scale – has the potential to drive new sustainable […]