Illinois Environmental Council Honors Rep. Rashid with Milestone Achievement Award for Landmark Legislation Banning Forever Chemicals

CHICAGO – The Illinois Environmental Council announced this week that they will be honoring state Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid, D-Chicago, and state Sen. Julie Morrison, D- Lake Forest, with the 2025 Milestone Achievement Award to recognize their work in passing landmark legislation to phase out PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, from consumer products in Illinois.

“I am honored to receive this award from the Illinois Environmental Council, especially in recognition of this important new law,” said Rashid. “PFAS are dangerous and Illinois families will have the peace of mind of knowing that when they buy makeup, sleepwear, or a toy for their kids that they are not exposing themselves to forever chemicals. Thank you to the IEC for its tireless efforts to protect our environment.”

The award will be presented to mark IEC’s 50th anniversary at their annual Environmental Leadership Dinner in September. 

Rashid’s bill, HB2516, bans the sale of products that contain PFAS including cosmetics, dental floss, menstrual products, intimate apparel, and products for children. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, increase cancer risks and decrease fertility. They also break down slowly, and can contaminate water and soil, making them an ongoing risk to Illinois communities. Governor JB Pritzker signed the bill into law on August 15.