New York Lawmakers Push for Nonstick Cookware Ban, Defying California Governor's Veto

The proposed legislation aims to phase out PFAS chemicals in cookware, but faces industry opposition.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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New York state lawmakers are pushing to ban the sale of nonstick cookware containing PFAS, a group of synthetic 'forever chemicals' that have raised health and environmental concerns. The proposed bill would prohibit the sale of PFAS-coated pots, pans, and other products by 2028. However, even the liberal California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a similar measure, calling it a 'costly crackpot idea' that would impact consumer affordability.

Why it matters

PFAS chemicals have been linked to various health issues and have contaminated drinking water in some communities, like Rockland County, New York. Supporters of the ban argue it's necessary to protect public health, while opponents claim it would raise costs for consumers already struggling with high food prices.

The details

The New York bill, sponsored by state Senator Peter Harckham and Assemblywoman Deborah Glick, would not only ban PFAS-coated cookware, but also restrict the chemicals' use in architectural paints, car parts, cleaning products, rugs, and other items. The cookware industry is lobbying against the proposed legislation, arguing the PFAS compounds are safe and have been FDA-approved for decades.

  • The New York state Senate passed the bill on February 10, 2026.
  • The bill has not yet been taken up for a vote in the New York State Assembly.

The players

Peter Harckham

A Democratic state senator from Westchester County who co-sponsored the bill to ban PFAS in cookware and other products.

Deborah Glick

A Democratic state assemblywoman from Manhattan who co-sponsored the bill to ban PFAS in cookware and other products.

Gavin Newsom

The Democratic governor of California who vetoed a similar bill to ban PFAS, calling it a 'costly crackpot idea'.

Steve Burns

The president of the Cookware Sustainability Association, which is lobbying against the New York bill.

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What they’re saying

“I am deeply concerned about the impact this bill would have on the availability of affordable options in cooking products. I believe we must carefully consider the consequences that may result from a dramatic shift of products on our shelves.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (New York Post)

“If it's safe enough to live inside your body, it's certainly safe enough to cook with. Many New Yorkers are struggling to afford food. The last thing they need is a costly ban on the pans they want to cook with.”

— Steve Burns, President, Cookware Sustainability Association (New York Post)

“As we have seen throughout many of our communities, the impact of PFAS in our drinking water can be devastating and costly to mitigate. New York must now take steps to clean up our environment by getting at the sources of contamination and phasing out the use of PFAS in products altogether.”

— Deborah Glick, New York State Assemblywoman (New York Post)

What’s next

The New York State Assembly will need to vote on the bill before it can become law.

The takeaway

This debate over banning PFAS in cookware highlights the ongoing tension between public health concerns and industry interests, as well as the challenges of implementing sweeping chemical regulations even in progressive states like New York and California.