BANGOR DAILY NEWS • January 29, 2024
Maine’s economy will take a big hit if changes are not made to a law mandating companies to report the content of PFAS in products they sell in the state, business leaders said in a press conference Monday. “The notification section is unworkable,” said Patrick Woodcock, president and CEO of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, which has 5,000 members. “If this statute is not amended this [legislative] session, there will be a complete rethinking of the long-term relationship with the state of Maine for some key employers.” One problem is the sheer number of PFAS potentially in products, business leaders said. Another is the international nature of business, with components suppliers selling to other manufacturers who in turn add components and resell their products. Another issue in advancing a workable PFAS reporting requirement is that many businesses will not talk about it for fear of having their company stigmatized by customers and other businesses.