Lana Bellamy is reporting for the Times Herald-Record Gov. Andrew Cuomo December 30, signed a bill into law that will phase out the use of PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam in New York. The bill addresses the related environmental and drinking water contamination by PFAS, which has affected many communities throughout the state, including the city of Newburgh. PFAS is a family of manufactured chemicals used in consumer products and industrial processes and is known for its resistance to degradation. Under the new bill amendment, the Office of Fire Control and Prevention may write a regulation that allows for specific uses of the foam if the chemical-free foam is not available. Such an exemption would have to be re-evaluated at least every two years. The measure goes into effect in 90 days. The 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, signed by President Donald Trump on December 20, prohibits the use of PFAS in firefighting foam nationwide after Oct. 1, 2024. Read the full story at PoughkeepsieJournal [dot] com.