Vials containing PFAS samples sit in a tray, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency lab in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)

Members of the Republican Party of Minnesota have introduced legislation to exempt certain manufacturers and products from having to adhere to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) restrictions.

Senate File 2164 would allow manufacturers who intentionally add PFAS chemicals, also known as “forever chemicals” because of how slowly they break down, to their products to continue to legally do so if they submit certain information to retailers. Companies in Minnesota are currently prohibited from intentionally adding PFAS to products like cookware, dental floss and menstruation products after Gov. Tim Walz (DFL) signed a ban in 2023. The law went into effect in January.

SF 2164 was sponsored by former state Sen. Justin Eichorn (R-Grand Rapids), who introduced the legislation last month. Eichorn subsequently resigned after he was arrested in a child prostitution sting for reportedly attempting to solicit sex from who he thought was a 17-year-old.

Sen. Jeff Howe (R-Rockville) co-sponsored the bill but did not respond to a Heartland Signal request to elaborate how the legislation would benefit Minnesotans if signed into law.

SF 2164 was referred to the Senate Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy, where it is unlikely to progress since the DFL controls the committee.

The Trump administration has also taken steps to roll back PFAS restrictions put in place by the Biden administration, despite a pledge to “make America healthy again.” According to Environmental Working Group, 99% of Americans have been exposed to PFAS chemicals, which have been linked to a variety of health issues like increased risk of cancer, decreased fertility and liver damage.