Richard Durbin (D-IL)
Forever Chemical Regulation and Accountability Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (text: CR S1370-1380)
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- 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
- Scored +7
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill funds Centers of Excellence to advance research into PFAS detection and remediation.
- Scored +6
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill prohibits the release of PFAS and addresses the legal accountability of entities associated with toxic substances.
- Scored +5
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill grants the EPA Administrator significant regulatory and enforcement authority over PFAS.
The opposite· 3 of 4
- Scored -2
Does this make it easier to run a small business?
The bill imposes significant annual reporting and petition fees on manufacturers and users.
- Scored -1
Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport?
The bill does not affect public transit.
- Scored -1
Does this do more about addiction and overdose deaths?
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. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill grants the EPA Administrator significant regulatory and enforcement authority over PFAS. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires manufacturers to submit annual reports for public review and allows for more direct legal processes regarding toxic chemical claims. Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — The bill includes provisions for judicial review of regulatory actions.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill funds Centers of Excellence to advance research into PFAS detection and remediation.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill facilitates the ability of victims to seek recourse for environmental health exposures and reduces long-term health risks. Would people in cities be better off under this? — The bill may benefit residents living in areas affected by industrial chemical exposure and urban water systems.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill prohibits the release of PFAS and addresses the legal accountability of entities associated with toxic substances. Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport? — The bill does not affect public transit.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill facilitates the pursuit of claims against non-debtor entities involved in persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemical exposure. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill imposes significant annual reporting and petition fees on manufacturers and users.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The bill enables easier legal action for health issues arising from exposure to toxic chemicals. Does this do more about addiction and overdose deaths? — The bill does not address the opioid crisis.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Mitigating environmental contamination can reduce long-term health-related economic burdens on families. Does this change how police departments operate? — The removal of automatic stays may accelerate legal proceedings against entities.
- 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.