A Maine legislation update

By Frank Mortl, SPFA.

Thank you to our industry members who participated in our SPFAdvocacy campaign to help achieve the successful outcome of having Maine LD 1537/SP 610 signed into law.

We are pleased to share with you some exciting news that will positively impact the SPF industry. The American Chemistry Council’s State Affairs office informed us that Maine LD 1537/SP 610 was signed into law by Governor Mills on April 16, 2024. This bill brings about several exemptions for products covered under the Maine PFAS in Products regulation. Of particular significance to the SPF industry, the bill includes exemptions for polyurethane (PU) foams containing hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) and blends that have been listed as acceptable for use under the EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program for PU end-uses. Since the enactment of Maine’s PFAS in Products regulation in 2021, the ACC Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) and ACC State Affairs, along with Honeywell have tirelessly advocated for these exemptions on behalf of our members. In addition to these efforts, a grass-roots campaign for SPF suppliers and contractors to contact key Maine legislators through the SPFAdvocacy Network also assisted with passage of this important bill.

LD 1537 represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to address regulatory concerns in other states, while ensuring the continued viability of our industry. We would like to draw your attention to the specific language from Section 5.D. of LD 1537/SP610:  

(1) Any such products sold, offered for sale or distributed for sale in used condition; 

(2) Cooling, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, including parts and other servicing needs for such equipment; or 

(3) Refrigerants, foams and aerosol propellants that are listed as acceptable, acceptable subject to use conditions or acceptable subject to narrowed use limits by the United States Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to the Significant New Alternatives Policy program, 40 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 82, Subpart G, as long as the refrigerant, foam or aerosol propellant is sold, offered for sale or distributed for sale for the use for which it is listed pursuant to that program.   

This language provides clarity on the exemptions granted under LD 1537, particularly regarding SPF products containing intentionally added PFAS. We believe that these exemptions will not only benefit our industry but also contribute to the overall goals of environmental protection and public health. It is a testament to the collaborative efforts of SPF industry stakeholders like yourself, who have actively engaged in the advocacy process. As we move forward, we remain committed to staying abreast of developments in regulatory matters and advocating for policies that support the interests of our industry and its stakeholders. Thank you for your continued support and involvement in these important endeavors. Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to reach out.