OEC - Oregon Environmental Council
07/25/2025 | Press release | Archived content
Cuts to PFAS, Plastic Bags and Pesticides: 2025 Session Wins
The 2025 legislative session led to some major wins for environmental health in Oregon. While there's still much work to be done to phase out toxic chemicals from our products and environments in full, the progress we made this year sets us in the right direction, and helps push for future progress.
One of the most significant legislative victories this session was the passage of SB 91 . This new law phases out the sale of firefighting foam that contains toxic PFAS chemicals , which pose major health risks for first responders- and to Oregon communities endangered by the runoff of these chemicals. By removing PFAS from firefighting foam, we're reducing harmful exposures and protecting our environment-exactly the kind of progress we fight for every day at OEC. Related to SB 91, we also passed HCR 2 , a resolution that commits Oregon to transitioning to PFAS-free firefighter protective gear (PPE) once safe alternatives are available. These victories mark an important milestone in protecting the health of firefighters and Oregonians at large from the threat of "forever chemicals."
We were also proud to support a number of other bills that made it to the Governor's desk-including HB 2684 , Oregon's Toxic Free Schools bill! This important win ensures that schools across the state maintain up-to-date Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plans that prioritize the health and safety of students. Protection from potentially harmful chemicals, like the kind that are often used in pest control, should be a right for every Oregonian- especially for children in their learning environments.
Other wins this session align with OEC's ongoing efforts to support smart, practical solutions that reduce waste. The passage of SB 551 phases out single-use plastic checkout bags at retail and restaurant establishments across the state starting January 1, 2027. This is meaningful progress for our environment, our communities, and Oregon's sustainable future.
Lastly, the Right to Repair movement-which OEC has been championing for years-gained momentum with the passage of SB 550 ! Beginning January 1, 2026, Oregonians will have the right to repair powered wheelchairs-reducing waste, cutting costs, and supporting independence and accessibility. OEC was proud to support this critical legislation, especially as it builds on our work to pass SB 1596 last year . The ability to repair our own electronic devices as we see fit is a crucial component of building a more sustainable, equitable future for both people and the planet.
While there is plenty of reason to celebrate the victories we helped achieve during the 2025 legislative session , our work is just getting started. OEC will be there to continue advocating for impactful, lasting legislation that protects our communities from PFAS and other harmful chemicals next session and beyond. Because living free from unnecessary toxics that threaten the health of our communities and ourselves should not be a luxary-it should be a right.
EPA Budget = OR DEQ Cuts of 45%
In the weeks following President Trump's budget release we've all been scrambling to figure out how the cuts will impact Oregon - especially for our air, water and overall environmental health. We know the projected 31% reduction to the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would include drastic cuts to state and local programs, and now we have a better idea of
March 27, 2017, 11:18 pm
mcadmin
9
The Story of PFAS PFAS (Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) or 'forever chemicals' are a class of over 15,000 toxic chemicals. Members of this chemical class feature the strongest chemical bond known to organic chemistry- the carbon fluorine bond. This incredible chemical bond leads to properties like not reacting with other substances- including an ability to repel grease, oil, and water. In this story, chemical manufacturers wanted to give their products these properties, such as
September 10, 2024, 12:23 pm
crystal2530
0
Biosolids, PFAS and Oregon Agriculture
Known as "forever chemicals," harmful PFAS chemicals can be found in the air, water, and soil of virtually every ecosystem on Earth. Distribution of PFAS varies widely - from high concentrations in states like Michigan and North Carolina to very low levels here in Oregon. Our state's water utilities and water quality agencies are already studying the sources and level of PFAS in our local water systems. But there is still much to learn about how these chemica
February 22, 2024, 2:22 pm
klew
0
On Valentine's Day, groups call on the Oregon Legislature to 'break up with plastic'
For Immediate Release Tuesday, February 14, 2023 - Plastic pollution reduction bills are having a public hearing. Salem, Ore.- Valentine's Day is typically a day for expressing love and affection to romantic partners. However, it can also be a reminder of toxic relationships: like the one we have with plastics. This Valentine's Day, environmental g
February 14, 2023, 6:54 pm
mcadmin
0
Since 1971 when OEC led the charge on the first Bottle Bill in the nation and then enabled curbside recycling with the Opportunity to Recycle Act in 1983, we've been invested in reducing waste. Our work continues to focus on how we can reduce the impact of modern society on our environment and our health. More and more evidence shows the proliferation of microplastics in our
May 19, 2020, 5:27 pm
stacey
0
The toxic effects of plastics pollution on human health -Belinda McFadgen, for OEC In early March of 2019, a Cuvier's beaked
April 10, 2019, 5:26 pm
mcadmin
0
Stepping Up Efforts to Reduce Plastic Pollution in Oregon
By Belinda McFadgen, OEC Volunteer. "Nothing we use for a few minutes should be allowed to pollute our oceans and rivers and threaten wildlife for centuries." That's how our friends at Environment Oregon describe the problem of pollution from straws, bags, take-out containers and other single-use p
February 19, 2019, 2:07 pm
mcadmin
0
No Replies to "Cuts to PFAS, Plastic Bags and Pesticides: 2025 Session Wins"
OEC - Oregon Environmental Council published this content on July 25, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 30, 2025 at 23:15 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]