Bill · S. 4153· Senate(119-S-4153)
Forever Chemical Regulation and Accountability Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 3/19/2026
- Last activity
- 3/19/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (text: CR S1370-1380)
- Sponsored by
- Richard Durbin
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Forever Chemical Regulation and Accountability Act of 2026 aims to phase out the production and nonessential uses of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances. It establishes a system to prohibit the release of these substances into the environment and mandates a phaseout of specific products like carpets, food packaging, and cosmetics. The bill directs the National Academies to review scientific evidence to determine which uses are essential and which should be prioritized for phaseout. Additionally, it creates Centers of Excellence to advance research into detecting and remediating these substances in water sources. The legislation also includes provisions for increased monitoring, reporting, and enforcement to ensure accountability.
Yes· 3 of 10
Does this put more money into scientific research?+7
The bill funds Centers of Excellence to advance research into PFAS detection and remediation.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+6
The bill prohibits the release of PFAS and addresses the legal accountability of entities associated with toxic substances.
Does this give the federal government more power?+5
The bill grants the EPA Administrator significant regulatory and enforcement authority over PFAS.
The opposite· 3 of 4
Does this make it easier to run a small business?-2
The bill imposes significant annual reporting and petition fees on manufacturers and users.
Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport?-1
The bill does not affect public transit.
Does this do more about addiction and overdose deaths?-1
The bill does not address the opioid crisis.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Scientific Guidance on Essential Uses: The National Academies will review evidence to help identify which uses of these substances are critical for society and which are nonessential (Section 101(a)).
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Phased Elimination of Harmful Products: Certain products containing these substances will be prohibited from sale in increasing stages, such as carpets, food packaging, and juvenile products within one year (Section s 102(b)(4)(A)(i)).
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Enhanced Water Safety Research: The creation of Centers of Excellence will advance science for detecting and removing these substances from water sources (Section 201(a) and (d)).
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Increased Public Transparency: Manufacturers and users must submit annual reports regarding the volume, concentration, and environmental release of these substances, which the Administrator will publish for public review (Section 102(a)(2)(B)).
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Strengthened Legal Accountability: The bill allows for citizen suits, enabling individuals to take legal action against violators of the standards established by this act (Section 108).
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Protection Against Imminent Risks: The Administrator has the authority to issue orders to restrain uses that present an unreasonable risk of serious injury to public health or the environment (Section 109(a)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Reporting and Financial Burdens for Industry: Manufacturers and users are required to submit annual reports and may be subject to fees for submitting such reports or for filing petitions regarding essential use designations (Section 102(a)(2) and Section 113).
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Mandatory Product Phaseouts: Certain consumer goods, such as textiles, furniture, and apparel, will be prohibited from sale within specific timeframes, which may impact availability (Section 102(b)(4)).
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Potential for Legal Costs: While the bill allows for citizen suits, it also notes that courts may require the filing of a bond or equivalent security for those seeking temporary restraining orders or preliminary injunctions (Section 108(c)(2)).
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Stringent Penalties for Non-compliance: Entities found in violation of the act's requirements may face civil penalties designed to remove economic benefits, or even criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment (Section 107).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+5Improves Government Transparency+3Improves Due Process+2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+7
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+3Good For Urban Residents+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+6Improves Public Transit-1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+5Improves Small Business Support-2
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+3Improves Opioid Crisis Response-1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+1Improves Policing Reform-1
- 3/19/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (text: CR S1370-1380)
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.