The Los Alamos Post reports that Representative Kathleen Cates is pushing back against chemical companies’ efforts to overturn legislation guarding the public against exposure to forever chemicals:
RIO RANCHO — New Mexico State Rep. Kathleen Cates (D-Rio Rancho) sent a letter to national industry associations underscoring the importance of a new state law to protect New Mexicans from forever chemicals.
Earlier this month, a group of industry associations filed a lawsuit against enforcement of House Bill 212: the PFAS Protection Act, co-sponsored by Rep. Cates in the 2025 Legislative Session. This legislation, which passed with strong bipartisan support and was signed into law by the Governor, established a timeline and framework for phasing out goods containing PFAS from sale in the state and requires transparent labeling for products in which the chemicals are unavoidable.
PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of synthetic compounds, known as “forever chemicals,” which can cause serious health concerns such as cancer, liver damage, thyroid disease, and fertility issues, as well as having damaging effects on animal and plant health. They are found in many common household items, such as cleaning agents, nonstick cookware, electronics, and personal care products.
“We are simply asking for transparency regarding what chemicals we are bringing into our own houses and communities,” Rep. Cates said in the letter. “We in the legislature have a right and a duty to stand up for our citizens and constituents and say that enough is enough.”