Australian Government Seeking Comments on Phase Out of PFOS

​The Department of the Environment and Energy for Australia has opened a public consultation period on the Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) for a national phase out of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and related chemicals, including its salts and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride (PFOSF). The consultation period closes on Monday, February 26, 2018. Public information sessions were held in each state during November 2017.
 
The draft RIS proposes a national approach to managing PFOS in order to minimize future emissions and align with global standards established by the Stockholm Convention. The draft RIS proposes four options: two options consistent with the Convention requirements, one option for light touch regulation, and one option of no regulation. The Department is looking for comments from all stakeholders, including: state, territory and local governments, industry members, and the community. The Department is seeking comments on suggested options for government action, the data and assumptions supporting each option and the data gaps identified in the draft RIS. Responses received during the consultation period will be used to shape the final RIS for consideration by the Australian Government.