The Pentagon is expected to request an extension beyond the October 1 deadline set by Congress to eliminate the use of firefighting foam containing hazardous "forever chemicals," known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals, which are persistent in the environment, are used at over 1,500 military facilities and in numerous vehicles and portable equipment worldwide.
In September 2023, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced it had found a fluorine-free foam to replace its current aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) containing PFAS. However, a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report reveals that the transition will not be completed by the deadline. The Pentagon will likely seek an extension through 2026 due to several significant challenges.
Key obstacles include the new foam’s higher cost—about 21% more expensive than AFFF—and the need to modify existing firefighting equipment. The new foam is also limited in extreme temperatures, affecting its effectiveness in various operational scenarios.
PFAS are linked to serious health issues, including testicular and kidney cancers, increased cholesterol, and weakened immune responses. Military firefighters who have used PFAS-containing foams for decades face increased health risks due to soil and groundwater contamination at military bases.
Environmental advocates criticized the Pentagon’s delay. Melanie Benesh from the Environmental Working Group argues that the Pentagon has had ample time to transition and that effective, PFAS-free foams are already available. She emphasizes that military sites heavily polluted by PFAS should not be subjected to further delays.
The DoD estimates that investigating and cleaning up PFAS will cost $9.7 billion in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 and beyond, based on figures at the end of FY 2023. This preliminary estimate is expected to rise as investigations progress and more details about the cleanup needs emerge. The DoD cannot determine the total time or cost required to fully address PFAS releases until the full extent of these releases is understood.
In response to new EPA standards, the DoD plans to expand its review of PFAS contamination in base drinking water systems. Last year, the department evaluated 707 sites, with 574 needing additional cleanup. The new regulations will lead to a reassessment of the remaining sites to ensure thorough remediation.
The Pentagon has requested $1.6 billion in its fiscal 2025 budget for PFAS cleanup of contaminated sites. The funding is $100 million more than the department’s fiscal 2024 request.
