Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2025
Reps. Bonamici and Bacon Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Ban Asbestos in the U.S.
This bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process after being introduced in the House. It has been sent to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for review. There are no upcoming votes scheduled at this time.
Passage Likelihood
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill would ban the manufacture, processing, use, and sale of commercial asbestos across the United States, effective immediately upon enactment. While many Americans assume asbestos is already fully banned, it is still legally used in certain industrial processes and imported products today.
From policy text
“Effective on the date of enactment of the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2025, no person may manufacture, process, use, or distribute in commerce commercial asbestos or any mixture or article containing commercial asbestos.”
View in full text - The ban covers eight specific types of asbestos minerals, including chrysotile, crocidolite, and amosite, making it one of the most comprehensive asbestos bans proposed in the U.S. It does not apply to asbestos present solely as a trace impurity in other substances.
- Asbestos already installed in buildings, homes, and equipment before the law passes would not need to be removed. The ban also does not apply to disposal of asbestos-containing materials done in compliance with existing federal, state, and local rules.
From policy text
“end-use of a mixture or article containing commercial asbestos and installed in a building or other structure, product, or equipment before the date of enactment of the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2025”
View in full text - Chemical plants that use asbestos diaphragms in chlor-alkali production get a transition period until January 1, 2030, to switch to alternative methods. This exception recognizes that chlorine production is critical to water treatment and other industries.
From policy text
“an owner, operator, or agent of an owner or operator of a chlor-alkali facility that is in operation on the date of enactment of the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2025 may, until January 1, 2030”
View in full text - The President can grant a one-time national security exemption lasting up to 3 years (with one possible 3-year extension) if asbestos use is deemed necessary and no feasible alternative exists. These exemptions must be published in the Federal Register or shared with Congress.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Milestones
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
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New Asbestos Ban Nears, But Litigation Will Remain for Foreseeable Future
Highlights the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2025 (H.R. 5373), a bipartisan bill that would finally ban most commercial uses of asbestos in the United States. It explains how this landmark legislation would amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit seven forms of asbestos.
Lawmakers Renew Asbestos Ban Effort to Prevent Mesothelioma
Senator Jeff Merkley and Representatives Suzanne Bonamici and Don Bacon are leading a bipartisan effort to pass the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2025. This updated version would ban all types of asbestos in the U.S., closing loopholes left by previous EPA regulations.
Congress Revitailizes Asbestos Ban Bill
Legislators in the U.S. Congress are attempting to ban all types of asbestos by reintroducing the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2025. The bill would prohibit the manufacture, processing, use, and distribution of all six types of asbestos, going beyond the EPA's 2024 chrysotile ban.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2025
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(1)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.