“Do Not Flush” Wipes Labeling Legislation Introduced in Congress: Please Send Letters of Support Today!
We are pleased to report that on July 21, Representatives Alan Lowenthal (D-CA) and Lisa McClain (R-MI) introduced bipartisan legislation to require comprehensive “Do Not Flush” labeling requirements for all non-flushable wipes products sold in the United States.  The Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act, which mirrors California’s pending bill, AB 818 (Bloom), would require the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in coordination with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to issue guidance to wipes manufacturers to clearly and conspicuously label all wipes packages with “Do Not Flush” warning notices and symbols.  Manufacturers would also be required to conduct mandatory consumer education and outreach campaigns to explain the symbol and label notices, and report those activities to FTC and EPA.  CASA has been working with Representative Lowenthal for nearly two years on the labeling provisions and we are thrilled to see it introduced as a standalone bill for consideration as future infrastructure and water packages are considered.  We also anticipate a companion bill will be introduced in the Senate in the coming weeks.

CASA is urging agencies to reach out to their local Congressional representatives to express support for the legislation.  A template letter and fact sheet are available here, and CASA would be happy to assist in connecting your agency with your local representative if needed.  Letters should be directed to Representatives Lowenthal and McClain (contact info is in the template letter), and copies should also be sent to your local Representatives as well with the request that they support the WIPPES Act. Please contact Sarah Sapirstien or Jessica Gauger with any questions.