H.R.2269 - Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety Act; WIPPES Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 2269, the WIPPES Act, mandates that certain disposable wipes be labeled with a "Do Not Flush" warning. This bill aims to reduce pollution and protect wastewater infrastructure by preventing the improper disposal of non-flushable wipes. The Act defines covered products, labeling requirements, and enforcement mechanisms, assigning the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) the responsibility for enforcement.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill will be to require manufacturers to clearly label certain wipes as "Do Not Flush". This should lead to a reduction in clogs and damage to wastewater systems. The FTC will be responsible for enforcing these labeling requirements, and states will be preempted from enacting conflicting labeling laws.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced clogs and maintenance costs for wastewater treatment facilities.
- Decreased pollution of waterways due to improperly flushed wipes.
- Increased consumer awareness regarding the proper disposal of wipes.
- Potential for innovation in the design of truly flushable wipes.
- Clear and consistent labeling standards across the United States.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased costs for manufacturers to comply with labeling requirements.
- Potential for consumer confusion if the labeling is not clear and consistent.
- Possible preemption of stricter state laws regarding wipe disposal.
- Limited impact if consumers ignore the labeling and continue to flush wipes.
- Enforcement challenges for the FTC in ensuring compliance across all manufacturers.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) as it regulates the labeling and sale of products in interstate commerce. The delegation of enforcement authority to the FTC is consistent with established practices and does not appear to violate the separation of powers. The preemption of state laws is also a common practice under the Supremacy Clause (Article VI), where federal law overrides conflicting state laws when Congress intends to occupy a field.
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).