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California just made it mandatory to track PFAS — toxic "forever chemicals" — in agricultural pesticides. Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law requiring the state's Department of Pesticide Regulation to flag and monitor PFAS-containing pesticides in a public database. Advocates hope the data will pave the way for stricter regulations down the line.
California, the nation's largest agricultural producer, is now required to track the use of PFAS — or "forever chemicals" — in pesticides. Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation mandating the state's Department of Pesticide Regulation to identify PFAS-containing pesticides in its public reporting database and monitor statewide use trends. The state grows nearly half of the US's vegetables and over three-quarters of its fruits and nuts, making the scope of potential exposure significant.
The law is a scaled-back version of an earlier bill that would have outright banned new PFAS-containing pesticides — a provision that faced heavy opposition from farm groups. Environmental advocates are framing the tracking requirement as a crucial first step, arguing that better data will ultimately drive stronger action.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: PFAS chemicals are persistent in the environment and the human body, and their presence in agricultural pesticides raises serious public health concerns. By mandating transparency and data collection, California is laying the groundwork for evidence-based regulation — a model other states may follow.