Reps. Scholten, Levin Introduce Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03), alongside U.S. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA-49), introduced the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Actto protect waterways in Michigan and across the country from harmful plastic pollution.

"In West Michigan, we care deeply about protecting the rivers and lakes our communities rely on every day," said Rep. Scholten. "That's why I'm proud to co-lead the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act, which would require the EPA to set clear rules to prevent microplastics from entering our waterways in the first place. This commonsense step will help keep our environment clean, protect wildlife, and preserve the natural resources that make Michigan such a special place for generations to come."

The bill would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue a rule that prohibits the discharge of plastic pellets and other types of plastic into our nation's waters. Currently, the EPA does not have an established federal rule to address plastic pellets specifically, and most states do not have meaningful regulations to combat plastic pollution. When dumped or spilled into the ocean and our waterways, plastic pellets absorb toxic chemicals and attract harmful bacteria that threaten marine life. Seabirds, fish, and other wildlife often mistake pellets for food, ingesting these hazardous substances.

"Our entire coastal district relies on pristine waterways to support the local economy, bolster tourism, sustain wildlife, and provide recreational opportunities," said Rep. Levin. "Plastic pellets not only pollute our waterways and our coastline, but they also endanger public health. The damage they cause is preventable. Our Plastic Pellet Free Waters Actwould end the discharge of plastic pellets into our nation's waters and protect our treasured natural resources. I thank Rep. Scholten for her partnership on this bill, and I look forward to it moving through the legislative process."

The bill is endorsed by the American Bird Conservancy, Environment America, Environment California, Environment Michigan, Oceana, Ocean Conservancy, PIRG, Surfrider, and 5 Gyres.

"Plastic pellets in the environment can harm birds that confuse this type of pollution for food," said Annie Chester, Policy Director at American Bird Conservancy. "The Plastic Pellet Free Waters Actwould prohibit discharges of plastic pellets, safeguarding waterways that birds and people rely upon. American Bird Conservancy thanks Reps. Levin and Scholten for championing this legislation."

"Plastic pollution is everywhere-from the beaches of California to Pennsylvania's top trout streams, and from the Great Lakes down to the Gulf Coast of Texas. Sometimes, it's obvious, for example, ubiquitous plastic grocery bags. But perhaps a bigger problem is something much smaller-the hard-to-notice plastic pellet. When animals ingest this plastic, they can get sick and even die. We should be doing everything we can to stop plastic pollution, but shockingly, some companies still dump and spill large quantities of plastic pellets directly into our waterways. That's why it's urgent that Congress pass the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act," said Lisa Frank, Executive Director, Environment America.

"Oceana thanks Representatives Mike Levin and Hillary Scholten for addressing plastic pollution by reintroducing the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act," said Christy Leavitt, Senior Campaign Director at Oceana. "Plastic pellets can easily spill or wash into our oceans, rivers, and lakes, and they are extremely difficult to clean up because of their small size. These tiny pieces of plastic contribute to the growing plastic pollution crisis and flood of plastic into our oceans and fresh waterways. Congress should pass this much needed bill to protect our coasts, communities, and wildlife."

"Hundreds of citizen scientists participating in last year's International Plastic Pellet Count found nearly 50,000 plastic pellets in waterways around the world in just a matter of minutes, primarily in the United States. That's just the tip of the iceberg: an estimated 10 trillion plastic pellets end up in our oceans each year. Plastic pellets can escape into the environment at every step of the supply chain, and despite their small size, cause big problems for our environment, especially our waterways, where they can harm wildlife and public health. U.S. PIRG is calling on Congress to pass the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Actto address this often unseen threat," said Grace Vickers, Beyond Plastic Associate at PIRG.

"Some of the most harmful plastic pollution is also the hardest to see," said Jenna Schwerzmann, Plastic Pollution Initiative Coordinator with the Surfrider Foundation. "Our oceans are already overwhelmed with plastic at the end of its life; plastic producers should not be adding to that burden by allowing preventable losses of virgin plastic before it even becomes a product. The Plastic Pellet Free Waters Actis a commonsense step to stop this pollution at its source and hold polluters accountable."

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