VALVE MAGAZINE Summer 2023

VMA NEWS

PFAS Task Group Formed; Comments Submitted on Draft PFAS Legislation

VMA’s PFAS Task Group, formed earlier this year, is working to raise awareness of the implications that a full ban on all PFAS materials could have on the industry, the customers it serves, the environment, health, energy, the economy and much more. For a number of years, the governments in the European Union, the U.S. and Canada have been increasing activities that would lead to a ban on all PFAS materials — having far-reaching and what we believe are broad negative implications to society. While VMA supports eliminating harmful PFOAs and PFOS, we believe the many other PFAS chemicals, including fluo ropolymers, create low concerns and need to continue to be used. In our industry, fluoropolymers are used due to their properties in effective sealing, creating barriers for emissions, reducing energy use and providing a safe and reliable produc tion process. There are no available substitutions that provide similar and extensive benefits in many critical applications. Additionally, removing the ability to use these PFAS would negate decades of success in providing clean air as these products drastically reduce fugitive emissions. Earlier this month, VMA submitted comments in support of the Senate’s Committee on Environment and Public Works’ draft legislation on per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances

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(PFAS). This draft legislation differentiates different types of PFAS substances, which VMA supports. VMA continues to work with other national and global associations on this issue and to support our members and industry with govern mental and other leaders as needed. For more information on PFAS used in our industry, see the Valve Magazine article in the Winter 2022 issue.

Hydrogen Valve Summit Announced; New Location for Valve Forum 2024 It is hard to ignore the focus on and opportunities for

spectives; end-user applications and perspectives; and test ing, qualifications, materials, standards and other topics. “This is the first industry event that truly focuses just on these two technologies and the role that valves have in helping the world meet new environmental and energy challenges. I’m excited to help VMA offer this Summit to the industry next year,” says Heather Rhoderick, president of VMA. The Summit will be held the day prior to the 2024 Valve Forum, on April 9, 2024, in Houston. The Valve Forum: Conference & Exhibits will be held April 10-11, 2024, in Houston. The forum offers exhibits, product demonstrations, hands-on opportunities and plenty of educational sessions and networking. Introductory and advanced technical topics on valves, actuators and controls — including applications and standards — will be covered, as well as manufacturing, marketing and business topics. More information will be available this fall, and those who are interested can sign up to receive the information first at www.vma.org/valveforum .

hydrogen solutions and carbon capture technology — both in mainstream news and in technical journals from many

industries. The indus trial valve industry is essential to help bring the benefits and poten tial oppor tunities of both main stream. VMA is excited to

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announce a new Hydrogen Valve Summit to help our indus try understand many of the issues and hear perspectives from key players. The Hydrogen Valve Summit will provide an overview of the landscape; government/academia per