S. 4319: To provide for progress reports on the national transition plan related to a fluorine-free firefighting foam

This bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to submit regular progress reports to Congress on the development and implementation of a national transition plan related to fluorine-free firefighting foam. (Fluorine-free foams do not contain any perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS.)

Specifically, the FAA reports must include information on the development and implementation of a national transition plan for a fluorine-free firefighting foam that meets certain performance standards for use at Part 139 airports (Part 139 airports include airports that serve scheduled and unscheduled air carrier operations for aircraft with more than 30 seats or serve scheduled air carrier operations for aircraft with 10-30 seats.) The reports must also include a comprehensive list of the amount of firefighting foam that contains PFAS at each Part 139 airport.

Further, the reports must assess the progress in providing airports that are not Part 139 airports and local authorities with responsibility for inspection and oversight with guidance relating to the use of fluorine-free firefighting foam at such airports.

Written by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.