Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act

The Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act would address pollution from plastic pellets, also known as nurdles, which are tiny pre-production plastic granules used to manufacture most plastic products. Currently, federal law does not specifically regulate the discharge of these pellets from manufacturing, molding, and transport facilities into waterways. If enacted, this bill would require the Environmental Protection Agency to issue rules within 60 days prohibiting the discharge of plastic pellets and other pre-production plastic materials from facilities that make, use, package, or transport these materials. The rules would apply to wastewater, stormwater, and runoff from regulated facilities.

Proponents argue that plastic pellet pollution is a significant environmental problem. These tiny pellets are often spilled during production and shipping, eventually reaching waterways including the Great Lakes and oceans. Marine animals and birds frequently mistake the pellets for food, leading to ingestion of toxic substances and potential harm to ecosystems. Environmental organizations estimate that hundreds of thousands of tons of plastic pellets enter waterways annually. The bill is currently under consideration by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and would need approval from both chambers of Congress and the President's signature to become law.