Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act
Summary
The Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act aims to eliminate pre-production plastic pellet pollution by directing the EPA to establish effluent limitations for facilities that produce, handle, or transport these materials. The bill mandates the EPA to issue a final rule within 60 days of enactment, prohibiting the discharge of plastic pellets from regulated facilities and point sources. This includes wastewater, stormwater, and other runoff, with requirements to be incorporated into permits and performance standards.
Expected Effects
The primary effect will be a significant reduction in plastic pellet pollution in waterways. This will be achieved through stricter regulations on industries handling these materials. The EPA will be responsible for enforcing these new standards.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced plastic pollution in waterways, benefiting aquatic ecosystems.
- Improved water quality for recreational and drinking water purposes.
- Potential reduction in harm to wildlife that ingest plastic pellets.
- Greater accountability for industries handling plastic pellets.
- Alignment with international efforts to reduce plastic pollution.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased compliance costs for plastic manufacturers and related industries.
- Potential for legal challenges from affected industries.
- Possible delays in implementation due to regulatory processes.
- Potential for increased costs for consumers if companies pass on compliance expenses.
- Enforcement challenges for the EPA due to the widespread nature of potential pollution sources.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) as it regulates activities that affect interstate commerce, specifically pollution that can cross state lines. It also aligns with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 1) by promoting environmental protection and public health. The Act delegates authority to the EPA, which is a common practice upheld by the Supreme Court as long as Congress provides clear guidelines, which this bill appears to do.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).