Zero Food Waste Act
Summary
The Zero Food Waste Act aims to reduce food waste by 50% by 2035 through a grant program administered by the EPA. Grants would be available to state, local, territorial, and tribal governments, as well as non-profit organizations, to study, collect data on, and implement food waste reduction activities. The Act authorizes $650 million annually from 2026-2035 for these grants.
Expected Effects
This act would likely lead to increased funding for food waste reduction programs across the country. It would also encourage innovation in food waste management and potentially create new markets for upcycled food products. The EPA would play a central role in overseeing and evaluating the effectiveness of these programs.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced landfill waste and incineration, leading to decreased environmental pollution.
- Support for local governments and organizations in developing and implementing food waste reduction strategies.
- Potential for new business opportunities in food waste upcycling and recycling.
- Increased awareness and data collection on food waste generation and management.
- Prioritization of grants for communities disproportionately affected by environmental issues.
Potential Disadvantages
- The $650 million annual appropriation could strain the federal budget.
- The effectiveness of the program depends on the EPA's ability to administer the grants efficiently and effectively.
- Potential for bureaucratic hurdles in the application and reporting processes.
- The act does not address the root causes of food waste, such as overproduction and consumer behavior.
- There may be challenges in accurately measuring and tracking the reduction of food waste.
Constitutional Alignment
The Zero Food Waste Act aligns with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) of the Constitution, which allows Congress to enact laws that "provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States." By addressing food waste and its environmental consequences, the act can be argued to promote the general welfare. The Act also falls under Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce, as food waste management can impact the flow of goods and services across state lines.
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).