“Do Not Flush” Labeling Bill Introduced in Senate
CASA is pleased to share that Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Susan Collins (R-ME) have introduced the WIPPES Act (S. 3956). S.3956 is the Senate companion to the House WIPPES Act (HR 4602). CASA has been working with the Senate offices on the legislation to secure support from both the clean water and the wipes industry sectors. The Senate bill has support from CASA, INDA, Proctor & Gamble, Kimberly-Clark, NACWA, WEF, and the National Stewardship Action Council. Upon introduction a joint press statement from CASA and INDA was released, and a joint letter of support was sent to Merkley and Collins. The Senate press release can be accessed here.

Below is a summary of the key highlights of the Senate WIPPES Act.

  • Directs FTC to establish “Do Not Flush” labeling requirements for non-flushable wipes as defined by the bill’s covered products
    • Not later than 2 years after date of enactment, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in consultation with USEPA, will issue regulations to require wipes manufacturers to print clear and visible “Do Not Flush” label notices on non-flushable wet wipes product packaging.
    • Prohibition on the representation or marketing of flushable attributes, performance, or efficacy benefits for non-flushable wipes products.
    • FTC may bring penalty fines of not more than $2,500 for each day a manufacturer fails to comply with labeling requirements. Total fine amount may not exceed $100,000 for a single violation.
  • Creates a grants program at EPA to fund “Do Not Flush” label education and outreach activities authorized at $5 million for each of the fiscal years 2023-2027
    • Eligible entities include states, unit of local government, tribal government, non-profit, or private-public partnership
    • Eligible activities include:
      • public service announcements,
      • door-to-door campaigns
      • digital and social media outreach
      • development of advertising campaign for “do not flush” label
    • Prohibition of funds for activities that advertise products not covered by bill and false advertising
  • Includes preemption clause to create a one federal standard for “Do Not Flush” labeling practices for bill’s covered products

 

FY2023 Budget Request- Water Infrastructure Programs
Last week, the White House transmitted their fiscal year (FY) 2023 budget request to Congress.

Under the request, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) would receive $11.8 billion, of which $4 billion would support the Agency’s water infrastructure programs. This includes $1.638 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund, of which California would receive $114.7 million, funding for twenty new grants programs authorized in the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act (DWWIA), and $126 million to support the Agency’s PFAS activities. A detailed breakout of USEPA’s budget request can be accessed here.