H.R.2269 - Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety Act; WIPPES Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2269, the WIPPES Act, aims to reduce pollution and protect wastewater infrastructure by requiring specific labeling on certain disposable wipes. The bill mandates that covered entities label nonwoven disposable wipes with a "Do Not Flush" notice and symbol. This labeling is intended to prevent these products from being flushed, thereby reducing clogs and damage to wastewater systems.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of the WIPPES Act will be to change labeling practices for manufacturers and retailers of disposable wipes. Consumers will be more clearly informed about which products should not be flushed. This should lead to a reduction in the improper disposal of wipes and subsequent problems in wastewater treatment facilities.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced clogs and maintenance costs for wastewater treatment facilities.
- Decreased pollution from improperly disposed wipes.
- Increased consumer awareness regarding proper disposal methods.
- Potential for improved water quality due to reduced strain on wastewater systems.
- Prevention of damage to home plumbing systems.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increased costs for manufacturers due to new labeling requirements.
- Possible consumer confusion if the labeling is not consistently applied or easily understood.
- Limited impact if consumers ignore the labeling.
- Preemption of state laws could hinder more stringent local regulations.
- Enforcement relies on the FTC, which may have limited resources.
Constitutional Alignment
The WIPPES Act appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. By establishing labeling standards for products sold across state lines, the Act falls under this purview. The Act does not appear to infringe on any individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights.
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).