A Maine gubernatorial candidate has sounded the alarm on an alleged “secret plan” by Democrats in his state to ban coffee makers with new legislation. The reality, however, is more complicated.
Former state Senate GOP leader and current Maine gubernatorial candidate Garrett Mason posted a video of himself walking down the coffee maker aisle at a store, pointing at numerous machines and declaring them “banned.” He specifically highlighted Keurig-cup-style coffee models in his remarks.
In the video, Mason stated: “Democrats are coming for your coffee maker… So while they were busy banning plastic bags and increasing your grocery bills and housing costs and energy bills, they had a secret plan to ban your morning cup of coffee.”
Mason also emphasized legislative consequences, noting: “I think it’s important that you know that you have a governor who understands how legislation works and what unintended consequences can happen when you pass really bad leftist virtue-signaling legislation, which is what is happening in Augusta right now.”
The key phrase here is “unintended consequences.”
In 2021, an early version of the law—titled An Act to Stop Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Pollution—targeted PFAS in carpets and rugs and was set to take effect over multiple years, beginning January 2023.
A revised 2024 iteration expanded coverage to include adult mattresses, artificial turf, cleaning products, cosmetics, and cookware. The law defines cookware as “a durable houseware product intended to be used to prepare, dispense or store food, foodstuffs or beverages,” encompassing pots, pans, baking sheets, bowls, and utensils.
These provisions took effect January 1, 2026.
Critically, the definition does not specifically mention coffee makers. This makes it unlikely Democrats had a “secret plan to ban your morning cup of coffee,” as Mason claimed.
However, lawmakers have interpreted the law broadly to include items like toasters and coffee pots. Steve Burns, a spokesperson for the Cookware Sustainability Alliance, explained: “The legislation was drafted in a way that, unfortunately, other states around the country have done as well. And in an attempt to remove harmful PFAS, they extend it with language like anything that stores or prepares food or beverages.”
Burns added: “Essentially, since it was enforced in January of this year, technically, we believe it might make almost every type of coffee maker on a shelf or in a restaurant in Maine unlawful.”
Manufacturers report concerns about meeting compliance timelines due to the law’s requirements. While coffee makers are not expected to vanish from shelves immediately, adjustments may be necessary for many models. The issue does not exclusively affect Keurig products or machines with K-cup options.
Garrett Mason and Keurig have not responded to requests for comment.
