 Engagement opportunities on PFAS rulemakings
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is planning public engagement in 2024 for rulemakings related to Minnesota’s new PFAS use prohibitions, fees, and reporting under Amara’s Law. Three rulemakings are underway:
- PFAS in products reporting rule (initial request for comments period closed Nov. 28, 2023)
- PFAS in products fees rule (initial request for comments period closed Nov. 28, 2023)
- PFAS in products currently unavoidable use rule (initial request for comments period open through March 1, 2024)
The MPCA plans to engage interested parties in the rulemakings through email, webinars, two informal technical groups, and the public comment process.
Email list Rulemaking updates, public comment opportunities, and invitations to webinars will be shared using the MPCA’s PFAS Rulemaking GovDelivery email list. If this message was forwarded to you, click here to sign up for the PFAS Rulemaking GovDelivery list.
Webinars The MPCA is planning at least three webinars between April and September to discuss key issues in the rulemakings. Participation is open to all. Dates and topics will be announced on the MPCA website and to this PFAS rulemaking GovDelivery email list.
Informal working groups Two informal working groups of up to 15 people each will give MPCA staff the chance to engage in smaller, focused conversations with subject matter experts. At this time, we expect each group will meet three times in 2024.
The first working group will be structured for technical experts from regulated parties. The second working group will be structured for technical experts from academia, regulators from other jurisdictions, environmental nonprofit organizations, and other experts. Both groups will discuss issues such as supply chain challenges, the mechanics of reporting and paying fees, currently unavoidable use criteria and proposal processes, and more.
Working group participation will be at the invitation of the MPCA, which will ensure a variety of perspectives are represented.
Public comment Information gathered through all of these channels will be considered as the MPCA drafts rules. Proposed rules will be open for at least sixty days of public review and comment after the Notice of Intent to Adopt, expected in 2025. Rulemaking may also involve a public hearing and post-hearing comments before adoption.
One final reminder that the currently unavoidable use rule request for comments period is open until March 1. In this phase, the MPCA has asked for only brief descriptions of possible currently unavoidable uses. There is no need to submit detailed descriptions and supporting information during this phase of rulemaking.
Thank you for your participation in the implementation of Amara’s Law.
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