Federal grants would support PFAS-free firefighter gear research if funded

Federal health officials would award grants to research, develop, and test protective gear without PFAS chemicals. Applicants must be nonprofits, colleges, or national fire service or fire safety organizations with experience in at least three listed areas. Congress would need to provide funding. Applications must explain partnerships with firefighting organizations, including groups representing firefighters who are not managers, and how those partnerships would put research into practice. The bill would authorize $25 million a year for research in fiscal years 2025 through 2029.

Federal health officials would fund guidance and training through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements. Guidance would cover safe use, cleaning to remove harmful substances, and care of gear developed through the research program. Congress would need to provide funding. Recipients must be nonprofits, colleges, or national fire service or fire safety organizations with experience in at least three listed areas. Training support would begin in fiscal year 2027, with $2 million a year authorized for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.