A cookware industry group filed a lawsuit in federal court this week against a new Minnesota law targeting so-called “forever chemicals,” calling it unconstitutional. In their complaint, the Cookware Sustainability Alliance claims the law, which went into effect on Jan. 1, is unconstitutional and unenforceable. The law bans the sale and distribution of cookware containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, which have been linked to health problems, including cancer. The law covers 11 categories of everyday items including cookware, rugs and menstrual products. The complaint claims the law discriminates against out-of-state commerce, imposes a burden on interstate commerce and violates the Commerce Clause. Officials with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said in a statement they won’t comment on pending litigation, but they believe the law “legally sound.” Mehmet Konar-Steenberg, a law professor at Mitchell Hamline School of Law who specializes in constitutional and environmental law, said the plaintiffs appear to question the law’s value. “They’re saying that this law doesn’t deliver enough public health benefits when compared to the kind of difficulties it creates for out-of-state businesses to conduct business in Minnesota, they’re saying, on balance, this law just isn’t worth it,” he said.Related Articles News | ‘We were completely ignored’: Farmington residents sue the city in attempt to stop $5B data center park News | After $10M award overturned, new trial to determine payout for family of man killed by St. Paul police News | Expected guilty plea for man in ‘Wizard of Oz’ ruby slippers case postponed due to hospitalization News | White Bear Lake tattoo artist sentenced to federal prison for buying and selling stolen body parts News | Texas man gets probation for attempted ‘hook and chain’ ATM theft at Roseville bank