On Tuesday, February 11th, Senator Udall (D-NM) and Representative Lowenthal (D-CA) introduce the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act -- a groundbreaking legislation that tackles the plastic pollution crisis head-on. The act calls for a national bottle bill, bans certain polluting products, temporarily pauses the development of new plastic facilities, sets new standards for minimum recycled content, institutes a carryout bag fee, prevents waste from being shipped overseas, requires manufacturers to collect and recycle materials, and protects existing state policy designed to curb the use of single-use plastic.

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Natural resources are continually extracted to produce goods that are used in the U.S. – often only briefly – before they are thrown into landfills, incinerators or the natural environment. This endless system of consumption and disposal results in the waste of precious resources and pollution that threatens our health, environment and global climate. Across the country, towns, cities, and states are taking a stand. Eight states have passed statewide bans on certain types of single-use plastic, and many have legislation in the works. Now, it’s time for our country as a whole to join in solidarity. The Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act is the exact type of legislation we need to protect communities most impacted, public health, wildlife, and wild places. 

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To read the full summary of the bill click here.

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