New Mexico seeks public input on future PFAS protections for consumer products
New Mexico will hold an Aug. 18 webinar and open a public comment portal as officials review the state’s PFAS Protection Act and its exemptions.
An Aug. 18 webinar and public comment portal will help shape recommendations on the state law regulating so-called “forever chemicals”
Organ Mountain News report
SANTA FE - New Mexico environmental officials are seeking public input as the state reviews its protections against PFAS in consumer products and considers whether exemptions in the law should remain, change or be eliminated.
The New Mexico Environment Department will host a public webinar from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, to explain the state’s review of the PFAS Protection Act and how residents can participate. A public comment portal will also open that day.
PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a class of chemicals used in a range of consumer and industrial products. The state said exposure to certain PFAS has been linked to health effects including thyroid disease, liver and kidney damage, some cancers, decreased fertility and developmental effects.
State reviewing implementation and exemptions
The New Mexico Legislature passed House Joint Memorial 3 during the 2026 session, requesting two reports on implementation of the PFAS Protection Act, which was enacted in 2025.
The Environmental Improvement Board will examine implementation of the law and the effectiveness of rules adopted to carry it out.
NMED, working with other state agencies, will evaluate the public health, environmental and economic risks associated with exemptions in the law. The department will then recommend whether lawmakers should continue, modify or remove those exemptions.
“The reports requested under House Joint Memorial 3 will help guide future regulatory, legislative and administrative actions, and public input will be critical to determining what comes next,” Environment Secretary James Kenney said in a statement.
Rep. Dayan Hochman-Vigil, who sponsored HJM 3 and the PFAS Protection Act, said the review will help officials determine how the law is working and whether additional steps are needed.
Danielle Prokop
Product phaseouts begin in 2027
Rules implementing the PFAS Protection Act require educational labels on many consumer products sold in New Mexico that contain intentionally added PFAS. The law also establishes a phased prohibition on other products containing the chemicals.
The first phase begins in 2027 and includes cookware, food packaging, juvenile products and firefighting foam.
The phaseout expands in 2028 to categories including cosmetics, carpets, textiles, cleaning products and upholstered furniture. By 2032, New Mexico will prohibit the sale of nearly all non-exempt products containing intentionally added PFAS.
State officials said consumer products containing PFAS can contaminate drinking water through their use or disposal. NMED cited a 2023 Minnesota Pollution Control Agency study estimating that removing one pound of PFAS from municipal wastewater systems can cost between $2.7 million and $18 million.
How to participate
The Aug. 18 webinar will include an overview of the current PFAS regulatory landscape, the Legislature’s request under HJM 3 and opportunities for public input.
Registration is available through NMED’s webinar registration page. The department will also open its online public comment portal Aug. 18.
NMED plans to present preliminary findings to the Legislature’s Radiation and Hazardous Waste Interim Committee on Nov. 5. A final report is due to the Legislature by Aug. 1, 2027.
The public can learn more about the PFAS Protection Act, HJM 3 and New Mexico’s other PFAS-related actions on NMED’s PFAS webpage.
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