Airport Alert: Senate Passes the Preventing PFAS Runoff at Airports Act

The Senate has passed S. 3662, the Preventing PFAS Runoff at Airports Act, sponsored by Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and a bipartisan group of senators, by voice vote. The bill now goes to the House where it awaits further action. 
 
The Preventing PFAS Runoff at Airports Act would temporarily increase the AIP federal cost share to 100 percent for in-line proportioner (input-based) testing systems, which eliminate the need for AFFF to be discharged onto the ground or into a collection and containment vessel. It would also direct the FAA to identify options for reimbursing airports that already acquired these devices without federal funding. The increased federal cost share would sunset after five years. 
 
In 2019, FAA allowed for the use of input-based testing equipment during FAA safety inspections in response to requests from airport operators for an alternative to output-based testing. Since this time, FAA has made this equipment AIP-eligible and has recommended that airports use an input-based testing system to satisfy Part 139 testing requirements while minimizing possible environmental impacts.
 
When the legislation was introduced in February, AAAE, ACI-NA, several Michigan airports, and a number of other groups expressed support for the legislation. 'Environmental stewardship is a top priority for airport executives, and AAAE appreciates this bipartisan effort to enhance the federal government's support for airports to safely test aqueous film forming foam (AFFF),' AAAE President and CEO Todd Hauptli said. 'While airports eagerly await federal approval of PFAS-free foam and significant long-term federal support to transition from FAA-mandated AFFF, this legislation is a positive step forward that merits support. We are grateful to Senator Peters and his colleagues for continued leadership on this important issue.' 
 
Senator Peters has indicated he will work aggressively to push for House passage of the bill. We will provide further updates if the House takes up this legislation.