S. 3946: Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act (2022)  - SUPPORT

By Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Susan Collins (R-ME)

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• Status: 

  • 7/22/2021: Referred to the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce.

• Directs the Federal Trade Commission, in consultation with the Environmental Protection
  Agency (EPA) to issue regulations on “Do Not Flush” labeling requirements for the covered
  products defined in the bill, which includes baby wipes, household wipes, disinfecting wipes or personal care wipes. Authorizes a grant program at EPA ($5 M annually) to support and expand education and outreach activities by states, local governments and non-profit organizations to ratepayers. These grants will increase awareness of the label and proper disposal methods for these wipes.​

• Bill Summary

• Press:

  • WIPPES Act Press Release, 3/30/2022

HR 4602: Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act (2021-2022)  - SUPPORT

By Congressman Lowenthal and Congresswoman McClain

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• Status: 

  • 7/22/2021: Referred to the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce.

• Would require manufacturers of non-flushable wet wipes to clearly and prominently display a “DO NOT FLUSH” label on their packaging and would set fines for manufacturers that do not follow the regulation. ​

• The bill would also create an education program to inform consumers of the meaning of the new labeling, why the new labeling is required, and the adverse impact of these wipes on water infrastructure systems when flushed.

• More Information:

  • • WIPPES Press Release, 7/21/2021

    • Model Letter of Support

    • ​Email to shane.trimmer@mail.house.gov & Danielle.Branz@mail.house.gov 

HR 6591: Protecting Infrastructure and Promoting Environmental Stewardship (PIPES) Act (2022)  - SUPPORT

By Congressman Lowenthal and Congresswoman McClain

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• Status: 

  • 02/03/2022: Introduced in the House, referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. 

• Would require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to establish standards for the flushability of disposable wipes.

• Would impose civil penalties on companies who are knowingly incompliant with these standards.

• More information:

  • PIPES Press Release, 2/3/2022

  • Letter to Wet Wipes Manufacturers