H.R.2269 - Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety Act; WIPPES Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2269, the Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety Act (WIPPES Act), mandates that certain disposable wipes be labeled with a "Do Not Flush" notice and symbol. This labeling aims to reduce pollution and damage to wastewater infrastructure caused by improper disposal of these products. The Act defines covered products, specifies labeling requirements for various packaging types, and prohibits representations of flushability.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this act will be to change labeling practices for wipes. Manufacturers will be required to adhere to specific guidelines regarding the placement, size, and visibility of the "Do Not Flush" label. This will likely lead to increased consumer awareness regarding the proper disposal of these products.
Potential Benefits 4/5
- Reduced strain on wastewater treatment facilities due to fewer non-flushable items entering the system.
- Decreased costs associated with repairing and maintaining wastewater infrastructure.
- Improved environmental quality by preventing pollution from improperly disposed wipes.
- Increased consumer awareness regarding proper disposal methods for wipes.
- Clearer labeling standards nationwide due to federal preemption of state laws.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased costs for manufacturers to redesign packaging and implement new labeling processes.
- Potential for consumer confusion if the symbol and label notice are not consistently applied across all products.
- Possible resistance from manufacturers who may view the labeling requirements as burdensome.
- Limited impact if consumers ignore the labels and continue to flush the wipes.
- Enforcement challenges for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in ensuring compliance across all covered entities.
Constitutional Alignment 4/5
The Act appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). It aims to promote the well-being of the population by protecting wastewater infrastructure and the environment. The Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) provides Congress with the power to regulate interstate commerce, which includes the labeling and sale of products that may impact wastewater systems across state lines. The Act delegates enforcement to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which is a common practice.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to citizens. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).