US Legislators enact anti-pollution bill:
By: KANWAL ABIDI
Washington:
House lawmakers voted on 7th Dec 2015, Monday to “ban plastic micro beads” from bath
products like soaps and body washes.
The bill, introduced by Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), on 4th March 2015, is an effort to protect the nation's lakes and
streams - from piling up with the little pieces of plastic- because the
beads, which are often used to exfoliate the skin, are less than five millimeters in size.
"H.R. 1321: Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015 is a national law introduced for
phasing out the use of solid, plastic micro beads in personal care products
across America." It shall prohibit the sale or distribution of cosmetics
containing synthetic plastic micro beads.
The bill would preempt states
from issuing their own laws to regulate micro beads. Last month, Pallone said
the provision was added because the federal law would phase out products faster
than any state law.
“Simply put, micro beads are
causing mega-problems,” said Fred Upton (R-Mich.), Chairman - House
Energy and Commerce Committee. "Once they’re flushed down the drain, that’s
when the problem really begins." Therefore, they escape water
filtration systems and end up in bodies of water - where they are mistaken as
food by fish and wildlife.
"We must put a stop to
this unnecessary and avoidable pollution," added Pallone, the ranking
Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Committee.
The legislation applies to any “non-prescription”
rinse-off cosmetics, including toothpaste. The American Chemistry Council – ACC,
praised the House for passing the legislation on Monday.
……………………………………………………the
end
No comments:
Post a Comment