Statements

3M has and continues to support federal regulation of PFAS that is based on the best available science. Since our phaseout from manufacturing PFOA and PFOS in the early 2000s, 3M has engaged in remediation at sites where we manufactured or disposed of these materials, and we believe more can be undertaken by other entities.

We want to work collaboratively with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other stakeholders to find a path forward to achieve our shared goal of protecting people and the environment. EPA’s proposed designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) will not meaningfully advance that goal. As the rulemaking process moves forward, EPA will receive comments regarding more technically effective and economically viable ways to address these substances. We look forward to constructive engagement with the Agency on those and other alternatives based on sound scientific and economic data.

• EPA’s proposed designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances is unnecessary, inappropriate, and not based on the best available science. This action will not help promote timely or appropriate remediation of these materials and could in fact delay action.
• Environmental agency leaders, industry groups, and others have voiced concerns about the impracticality and potential unintended consequences of such a designation and sought to find alternatives that would achieve the Administration’s goals.
• There are better, faster, and more constructive ways to reduce exposure to PFOA and PFOS when and where appropriate, such as infrastructure upgrades, establishment of cleanup standards, use of existing EPA authority, and others. Many such measures are already underway.

While we disagree with this action, it was anticipated and we have prepared to engage. We do not believe there is a short-term impact to our operations. In the longer term, this action will create challenges for communities, consumers, and companies.

We will work to satisfy our obligations and collaborate with all stakeholders to promote science-based policymaking, both in our engagements with EPA and globally.