Comparative Analysis of State Regulation of PFAS in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain Regions

In 2023, the National Sea Grant Law Center received a grant award from Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant to conduct legal research and outreach to gain a comprehensive understanding of the state of PFAS regulation in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain regions. This project was funded through the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain Regional PFAS Research Competition focused on social and economic issues related to PFAS risk, exposure, and remediation. The Law Center is partnering with Minnesota Sea Grant and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant to disseminate research findings and lay the foundation for future regional policy conversations.

Understanding PFAS and Its Environmental Impact

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, consist of over 600 distinct compounds used in a variety of applications, from non-stick cookware to industrial firefighting foams. Their chemical properties—hydrophilic "heads" and hydrophobic "tails"—make them persistent in the environment. These compounds can move through air, groundwater, and soil, accumulating in various ecosystems and pose significant health risks.

Legal Research on PFAS Regulation in the Great Lakes

The NSGLC is conducting an in-depth analysis of the existing federal and state regulations governing PFAS in the Great Lakes region. This research focuses on identifying gaps, inconsistencies, and opportunities for enhancing the legal framework to manage PFAS contamination. The project resulted in a comprehensive report that offers actionable recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders.

• PFAS legal scan and compilation for the 9 states in the Great Lakes & Lake Champlain regions
• Comparative analysis of legal approaches.
• Case studies of state action to address PFAS.

PFAS Legal Scans

• Illinois PFAS Legal Scan
• Indiana PFAS Legal Scan
• Michigan PFAS Legal Scan
• Minnesota PFAS Legal Scan
• New York PFAS Legal Scan
• Ohio PFAS Legal Scan
• Pennsylvania PFAS Legal Scan
• Vermont PFAS Legal Scan
• Wisconsin PFAS Legal Scan

Outreach and Community Engagement

This project partners with the Minnesota Sea Grant and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant to focus on the disproportionate impact of PFAS on disadvantaged communities. By highlighting these disparities, the NSGLC aims to ensure that regulatory efforts are inclusive and address the needs of all affected populations, particularly those in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain regions.