PFAS Advocacy in New Jersey
New Jersey is a national leader in PFAS advocacy, recently enacting the "Protecting Against Forever Chemicals Act" (S1042/A1421) in January 2026, which bans intentionally added PFAS in products like cosmetics, carpets, and food packaging by 2028. Advocates and state agencies are aggressively targeting contamination through strict drinking water standards (MCLs), industrial cleanup, and legislation prohibiting PFAS in firefighting foam and gear.
Key Organizations & Advocates
• Environment New Jersey: Leads the "No Toxics on Tap" campaign, which advocates for stricter state standards to eliminate PFAS from waterways.
• Clean Water Action NJ: Successfully lobbied for recent bans on PFAS in consumer goods and continues to push for restrictions on firefighting gear and apparel. Clean Water For All in NJ
• Sierra Club (NJ Chapter): Focuses on holding corporate polluters like DuPont, 3M, and Solvay accountable through legal action and public outreach.
• NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP): Developed the "Forever No More" strategy, providing a blueprint for statewide research, monitoring, and exposure reduction. PFAS Strategy: FOREVER NO MORE | New Jersey’s Commitment to PFAS Action
• Jersey Water Works: Jersey Water Works is a collaborative effort of many diverse organizations and individuals who embrace the common purpose of transforming New Jersey’s water infrastructure.
Major Legislative Milestones
• Protecting Against Forever Chemicals Act (S1042): Signed into law in early 2026, this act prohibits the sale of cosmetics, carpets, fabric treatments, and food packaging containing intentionally added PFAS starting in January 2028.
• Cookware Labeling: Manufacturers must now include warning labels on cookware that contains PFAS.
• Product Bans: Active bills (S3946/A5195) target PFAS in firefighting turnout gear, menstrual products, and general apparel.
Resources for Residents
• NJ Drinking WaterWatch: Allows residents to check contamination levels in their local water systems.
• Fish Smart Eat Smart: Provides advisories on consuming fish from contaminated NJ waterways.
New Jersey is a national leader in PFAS advocacy, recently enacting the "Protecting Against Forever Chemicals Act" (S1042/A1421) in January 2026, which bans intentionally added PFAS in products like cosmetics, carpets, and food packaging by 2028. Advocates and state agencies are aggressively targeting contamination through strict drinking water standards (MCLs), industrial cleanup, and legislation prohibiting PFAS in firefighting foam and gear.
Key Organizations & Advocates
• Environment New Jersey: Leads the "No Toxics on Tap" campaign, which advocates for stricter state standards to eliminate PFAS from waterways.
• Clean Water Action NJ: Successfully lobbied for recent bans on PFAS in consumer goods and continues to push for restrictions on firefighting gear and apparel. Clean Water For All in NJ
• Sierra Club (NJ Chapter): Focuses on holding corporate polluters like DuPont, 3M, and Solvay accountable through legal action and public outreach.
• NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP): Developed the "Forever No More" strategy, providing a blueprint for statewide research, monitoring, and exposure reduction. PFAS Strategy: FOREVER NO MORE | New Jersey’s Commitment to PFAS Action
• Jersey Water Works: Jersey Water Works is a collaborative effort of many diverse organizations and individuals who embrace the common purpose of transforming New Jersey’s water infrastructure.
Major Legislative Milestones
• Protecting Against Forever Chemicals Act (S1042): Signed into law in early 2026, this act prohibits the sale of cosmetics, carpets, fabric treatments, and food packaging containing intentionally added PFAS starting in January 2028.
• Cookware Labeling: Manufacturers must now include warning labels on cookware that contains PFAS.
• Product Bans: Active bills (S3946/A5195) target PFAS in firefighting turnout gear, menstrual products, and general apparel.
Resources for Residents
• NJ Drinking WaterWatch: Allows residents to check contamination levels in their local water systems.
• Fish Smart Eat Smart: Provides advisories on consuming fish from contaminated NJ waterways.