Congress Reintroduces the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2025
In March 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a landmark decision to ban chrysotile asbestos, the most widely used type of asbestos in the United States. This was celebrated by public health advocates, victims’ families, and organizations that have fought for decades to eliminate asbestos. While this was a big win for these groups, the ruling left a major gap. Five other types of asbestos: crocidolite, amosite, tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite, remain legal under strict regulation.
This year, during National Mesothelioma Awareness Month in September, members of Congress are working to close that gap once and for all. Legislators have reintroduced the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2025. This bill would prohibit the manufacture, processing, use, and distribution of all six types of asbestos. If passed, it would represent the most comprehensive asbestos ban in U.S. history.
A Renewed Effort from Congress
The newly reintroduced bill represents a growing bipartisan acknowledgment of asbestos as a continuing threat to American health.
The legislation is strongly supported by a coalition of respected organizations, including the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), the International Association of Fire Fighters, the American Public Health Association, and the Environmental Working Group, among others. Each of these groups recognizes that while asbestos use has declined over the decades, its danger has not.
The bill is named after Alan Reinstein, who died of mesothelioma in 2006.His wife, Linda Reinstein, co-founded the ADAO and has become one of the nation’s most influential voices in advocating for a complete ban. She has spent nearly two decades pressing Congress to act, drafting the legislation that now bears her late husband’s name and tirelessly pushing lawmakers to recognize that partial bans are not enough.
The Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act has been introduced in several forms over the years. In 2019, the bill gained momentum when the House Energy and Commerce Committee voted 47-1 to advance it. Unfortunately, the legislation was pulled from the House agenda just before debate was set to begin due to partisan disagreements over specific provisions.
Since then, advocates have worked to build broader consensus and push for reintroduction. The EPA’s 2024 decision to ban chrysotile asbestos created a new foundation, proving that meaningful asbestos restrictions are possible. Now, the 2025 version of the bill seeks to finish what earlier efforts began. Although the EPA’s chrysotile ban was historic, allowing other asbestos types to remain legal creates serious problems. Companies can still apply for approval to use them, leaving loopholes for industry. All six forms of asbestos are carcinogenic, with no safe level of exposure, yet partial bans create legal inconsistencies that complicate regulation and enforcement. Meanwhile, more than 60 countries have banned asbestos entirely, leaving the U.S. behind global public health standards. Passing the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act would bring the U.S. in line with international protections and affirm that asbestos has no place in modern society.
The Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2025 will face committee discussions before it can reach the floor of the House or Senate.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung cancer or mesothelioma, we are here to stand with you. Our experienced mesothelioma attorneys can help you understand your rights, pursue compensation, and hold negligent parties accountable. Our consultations are always free. Call 412-471-3980 or fill our a web form on our contact page.
Sources:
Borst Ellie “Lawmakers revive bipartisan bill to ban asbestos” Politico (September 17, 2025) [Link]
“Merkley, Bonamici, Bacon Partner on Bipartisan Legislation to Ban Toxic Asbestos, Save Lives” Jeff Merkley (September 16, 2025) [Link]
“Press Release: Merkley, Bonamici, and Bacon Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Ban Asbestos” Quiver Quantitative (September 16, 2025) [Link]
