Pontiac Times

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act, led by Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.). The legislation aims to address the issue of non-flushable wipes causing damage to wastewater infrastructure.

The bipartisan bill mandates that wipe manufacturers label their products as non-flushable. This move is intended to protect water systems from blockages caused by improper disposal of wipes, which cost Michigan utilities an additional $18 million annually.

Chairwoman McClain emphasized the importance of this legislation in preventing rate hikes and safeguarding water infrastructure. "I am proud to lead this legislation and call on the Senate to quickly pass it," she stated.

Reintroduced for the 119th Congress with support from Rep. Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.), Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), the bill has garnered widespread support across various sectors.

Mullin highlighted the financial burden on California utilities due to improper disposal practices, stating that "this commonsense legislation is a critical step in protecting our infrastructure and the environment."

Merkley pointed out that labeling wipes as ‘non-flushable’ is essential for consumer awareness and proper waste disposal. He noted that "the House passage of our bipartisan WIPPES Act brings it one step closer to becoming law."

Collins addressed consumer misconceptions about wet wipes, emphasizing that proper labeling would prevent costly plumbing issues: "This bipartisan legislation would require manufacturers to label non-flushable wet wipes."

The act has received endorsements from several organizations and local governments, including Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice S. Miller, who stressed the importance of clear packaging labels for sanitary wipes.

INDA Director of Government Affairs Wes Fisher expressed strong support for the act, highlighting collaboration between industry stakeholders: "This legislation represents several years of work between the wipes industry, wastewater operators, and environmental stakeholders."

Adam Krantz, CEO of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, underscored the need for a national policy on wipe labeling: "Creating a uniform policy is critically important to protect sewer systems."

Dominick A. Longobardi, President of the American Public Works Association (APWA), praised Congress's recognition of this issue: "Flushing non-flushable wipes accounts for $441 million a year in additional costs."

The bill now awaits further action in the Senate.