News

Maine takes step toward phase out of long-lasting chemicals

Maine takes step toward phase out of long-lasting chemicals

Photo: clipart.com


AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Lawmakers in Maine have made a move toward banning pesticides that contain long-lasting chemicals.

The proposal would ban distribution of pesticides with intentionally added perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances by 2030. The Maine House of Representatives approved the ban Thursday, the Bangor Daily News reported.

The state has been trying to crack down on the chemicals in recent months following the discovery of the substances in farmland and water sources. The chemicals are linked to health problems, including cancer.

The proposal didn’t pass easily. The majority of a legislative committee previously voted against the bill, and the House passed it by a count of 75-61. The vast majority of Democrats supported the measure, while only two Republicans did.

Some members of the state’s agricultural industry said Maine should wait for federal regulators to review the chemicals before it passes its own laws.

Others supported the ban, and some want the state to go even further. Sarah Alexander, executive director of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, said stories from impacted farmers in the state “make it clear that additional contamination of Maine’s soil and water by the application of sludge that contains PFAS must stop immediately.”

The ban will face more votes in the Legislature.

Latest Headlines

22 minutes ago in Local

Maine Family Planning to Stop Primary Care Over Medicaid Cuts

Fresh

Maine Family Planning has informed its primary care patients it will no longer be providing primary care

49 minutes ago in Local

Lewiston Woman in Months-Long Drug Trafficking Investigation

Fresh

Agents say they got a search warrant and found a large quantity of drugs and several guns in the home.

1 hour ago in Local

Man Leads Chase, Attempts to Flee Twice Before Arrest Near Turner

Fresh
Police Car

Deputies say the man became confrontational at a traffic stop on Conant Road in Turner.

4 hours ago in Local

Investigation launched after 250 ballots show up in mail at Maine home

The state has launched an investigation into a report that a Maine woman received 250 blank ballots in the mail this week.

4 hours ago in Local

Northern Light Health, Anthem extend contract for another 30 days

Northern Light Health and Anthem agreed Wednesday to extend contract negotiations for another 30 days.