S.897 - Farewell to Foam Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The "Farewell to Foam Act of 2025" aims to prohibit the sale and distribution of expanded polystyrene (EPS) food service ware, loose fill, and coolers in the United States, starting January 1, 2028. The bill defines key terms related to EPS products and outlines enforcement mechanisms, including written notifications for first violations and civil penalties for subsequent violations. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator is responsible for enforcing the act and may permit states to carry out enforcement.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the bill would eliminate EPS food service ware, loose fill, and coolers from the US market. This would likely lead to a shift towards alternative materials for these products. The act also establishes a framework for enforcement and penalties for non-compliance.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced environmental pollution from EPS waste.
- Potential health benefits from reduced exposure to styrene.
- Encouragement of innovation in sustainable packaging materials.
- Decreased landfill waste and associated costs.
- Improved aesthetics in public spaces due to less EPS litter.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased costs for businesses due to the need to switch to alternative materials.
- Potential job losses in the EPS manufacturing industry.
- Possible inconvenience for consumers who rely on EPS products.
- Potential for increased use of other materials with their own environmental impacts.
- Enforcement costs for the EPA and potential for inconsistent enforcement across states.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the US Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. By regulating the sale and distribution of EPS products, the bill directly impacts interstate commerce. The bill does not appear to infringe upon 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).