The U.S. House of Representatives this week passed the bipartisan Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act (H.R. 2269). The bill, led by Reps. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) and Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.), now awaits passage by the full U.S. Senate.  

H.R. 2269 would require standardized, national “do not flush” labeling for non-flushable wipes. The bill closely mirrors legislation that has been enacted in several states and would bring nationwide consistency to the marketplace. The bill, which has been an important NACWA advocacy priority, is supported by a wide coalition of stakeholders including the clean water utility community, the wipes manufacturing sector and environmental and consumer advocate organizations. 

In a statement, Reps. McClain and Mullin lauded the bill as “common-sense legislation” that will protect water infrastructure.  

“This common-sense, practical legislation will prevent rate hikes and protect water infrastructure. I am proud to lead this legislation and call on the Senate to quickly pass it,” McClain said.

“Improper disposal of wet wipes damages wastewater infrastructure, costing California utilities and consumers tens of millions of dollars a year. That’s why water professionals nationwide strongly support the WIPPES Act, which mandates clear ‘Do Not Flush’ labeling,” Mullin said. “This common-sense legislation is a critical step in protecting our infrastructure and the environment. By providing consumers with clearer guidance, the WIPPES Act will help reduce strain on our wastewater systems and safeguard taxpayer resources. I am pleased to see this bipartisan, bicameral legislation move forward.”

Last month, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved the Senate companion to H.R. 2269, S. 1092. There are slight differences between the House and Senate bills that Congress will need to reconcile. Both chambers will need to pass the same version so it can be signed into law. NACWA will continue to work with Congress and other stakeholders toward this goal.  

NACWA applauds recent member engagement to ensure the advancement of the bill. The Association has been advocating for state and national wipes labeling legislation and flushability standards for many years and is pleased to see this momentum around a federal bill. NACWA also thanks the California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) for its partnership in working to advance the legislation.

Members may contact Kaitlyn Montán, NACWA’s Director of Legislative Affairs, or Cynthia Finley, NACWA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs, to discuss the bill or other wipes issues.