Minnesota will begin phasing in one of the nation’s most extensive bans on products containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) starting Jan. 1, 2025.
The law, known as “Amara’s Law” and passed in 2023, will ban the sale of products with PFAS in 11 categories, including things like cookware, carpets, cosmetics, and more.
“Any products containing intentionally added PFAS that are designed or marketed for use by infants and children under 12 years of age, excluding children’s electronic products or an adult mattress, are included in the juvenile products definition and will be prohibited from sale and distribution in 2025,” the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says of the new law.
Among those banned items are all-terrain and powersports vehicles and gear designed for children under 12, which can rely on PFAS for features such as waterproofing and heat resistance, according to industry leaders.
“The kids want to ride them, not lick them,” said David Glassman, president of Tousley Motorsports, a Twin Cities area powersports and marine dealer. The dealership recently announced on its Facebook page that it is selling its in-stock, soon-to-be-banned models such as the Honda CRF50, CRF110, and TRX90, along with parts and accessories.
Several other dealerships posted about the new law on social media this week. “Manufacturers are working closely with other industry partners towards a future resolution, but for the foreseeable future, these products will no longer be sold anywhere in the state of Minnesota,” one said.
Opponents of the ban as it is written warn that it could lead to unintended safety risks. They say eliminating youth-sized dirt bikes and ATVs may push families toward larger, adult-sized machines that are unsafe for children.
“If we can’t sell youth-sized products, parents will just buy the next size up,” Glassman stated.
He also pointed out inconsistencies with how he says manufacturers are responding.
“Kawasaki and Yamaha are following the ban, BRP has only addressed youth clothing and accessories, Polaris is still discussing. The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) published an article about the Minnesota ban.”
In that article, Scott Schloegel, MIC senior vice president of government relations, criticized state leaders for showing “no flexibility” on powersports clothing, gear, and vehicles.
“We have repeatedly warned that eliminating access to youth-model dirt bikes and ATVs may promote the use of adult-size machines among kids, and we know that it is not safe for children to use larger vehicles that are not designed for them,” said Schloegel.
Lawmakers raise concerns
The law has also sparked a political debate, with some Republicans labeling it as government overreach.
Rep. Dawn Gillman, R-Dassel, expressed concerns on social media, saying the “unintended consequences of this new law [are] unreal.”
The unintended consequences of this new law is unreal. Curious if it’d be criminal to sell a dirt bike on Facebook marketplace or craigslist in MN? https://t.co/LoZNoaPayA
— Rep Dawn Gillman 🇺🇸 (@dawn_gillman) December 26, 2024
Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar, R-Fredenberg Township, also took to X to voice her concerns about the affect the ban could have on Minnesota businesses.
“In 2023, House Democrats passed a bill for PFAS, which had a lot of great intentions for a clean environment, for protecting all of us as Minnesotans. But what it did is it went too far. This is a perfect example of an all-or-none mandate,” she said.
Time to make common sense COMMON again! I look forward to working with House and Senate members to fix the consequences of extreme mandates for outdoor enthusiasts and small businesses. Does it make sense to have everyone leave MN to purchase these in other states? #minnesota pic.twitter.com/gLXobRtdax
— Natalie Zeleznikar (@natalieforhouse) December 26, 2024
The law’s origins
The legislation is named after Amara Strande, a young Minnesota woman whose battle with cancer and advocacy against PFAS brought national attention to the dangers of these “forever chemicals.”
Some studies have linked certain levels of PFAS exposure to severe health risks, including an increased risk of some cancers and liver damage.
Strande, who grew up near 3M’s Maplewood headquarters and went to school in Oakdale, testified to state lawmakers about her rare liver cancer and PFAS exposure before her death in 2023.
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
