The House will vote on legislation this week that would require wipe manufacturers to label their products as non-flushable in order to reduce sewage clogs and wastewater system damage.
H.R. 2269, the “Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act,” calls for cleaning or personal wipe companies to display a “Do Not Flush” label on their packaging.
The bill, introduced by Reps. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.), Tom Kean Jr. (R-N.J.) and Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), passed the Energy and Commerce Committee in April. It will reach the floor under suspension of the rules, a way to fast-track measures with broad support.
“Blockages from non-flushable wipes cost Michigan water utilities an additional $18 million annually. Clear packaging labels could prevent service disruptions and costly repairs that may lead to rate hikes,” McClain said in a statement in March.
