NMED NEWS RELEASE

The New Mexico Environment Department will host a public webinar in August to explain how the public can participate in the state’s review of the PFAS Protection Act, which regulates per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer products.

The New Mexico Legislature passed House Joint Memorial 3 during the 2026 legislative session. The memorial requests two reports examining implementation of the 2025 law:

• The Environmental Improvement Board will report on implementation of the PFAS Protection Act, including the effectiveness of the rules it adopted to implement the law.
  
• NMED, in consultation with other state agencies, will evaluate the public health, environmental and economic risks associated with exemptions in the law and recommend whether the Legislature should continue, modify or remove those exemptions.

“The State of New Mexico has taken bold action against PFAS contamination under Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s administration, with overwhelming bipartisan support from the Legislature,” said Environment Secretary James Kenney. “However, our job isn’t finished. 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.”

“With the PFAS Protection Act, New Mexico is leading the nation in addressing PFAS contamination, particularly in everyday products that can expose people to these harmful chemicals,” said Rep. Dayan Hochman-Vigil, sponsor of HJM 3 and the PFAS Protection Act. “Responsible policymaking also requires us to evaluate how the law is working, understand its effects and consider what steps may be needed next.”

The rules implementing the PFAS Protection Act require educational labels on many consumer products sold in New Mexico that contain intentionally added PFAS, while phasing out other products containing intentionally added PFAS.

The law and its rules are based on a significant body of scientific research linking exposure to certain PFAS to adverse health effects, including thyroid disease, liver and kidney damage, certain cancers, decreased fertility and developmental effects. Consumer products containing intentionally added PFAS can also contaminate drinking water supplies through their use or disposal.

According to a 2023 study from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, removing PFAS from the environment is a costly endeavor. While PFAS-containing consumer products can be purchased at big-box retailers for as little as $10, removing just one pound of PFAS from municipal wastewater treatment systems can cost between $2.7 million and $18 million.

The upcoming webinar will include an overview of the current regulatory landscape related to PFAS in consumer products, the legislature’s request under HJM 3, and opportunities for the public to provide input.

• What: Public webinar on House Joint Memorial 3
• When: Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Where: Virtual via Zoom
• Sign up: Visit NMED’s webinar registration page

In addition, NMED will open a public comment portal on Aug. 18 to gather public input to inform the HJM 3 reports.

NMED will present preliminary findings of its efforts under HJM 3 to the Radiation and Hazardous Waste Interim Committee on Nov. 5, 2026 and submit a final report to the Legislature by Aug. 1, 2027.

The PFAS Protection Act begins phasing out certain products in 2027, including cookware, food packaging, juvenile products and firefighting foam. In 2028, the phaseout expands to additional 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.

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.