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Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2020

USA116th CongressHR-5845| House 
| Updated: 2/12/2020
Alan S. Lowenthal

Alan S. Lowenthal

Democratic Representative

California

Cosponsors (94)
Dwight Evans (Democratic)Kim Schrier (Democratic)Jared Huffman (Democratic)Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democratic)Barbara Lee (Democratic)Joseph P. Kennedy (Democratic)Raúl M. Grijalva (Democratic)Joyce Beatty (Democratic)Lisa Blunt Rochester (Democratic)David J. Trone (Democratic)Ed Case (Democratic)Emanuel Cleaver (Democratic)Sheila Jackson Lee (Democratic)Derek Kilmer (Democratic)Debra A. Haaland (Democratic)C. A. Dutch Ruppersberger (Democratic)Ilhan Omar (Democratic)Eliot L. Engel (Democratic)Frederica S. Wilson (Democratic)Juan Vargas (Democratic)Andy Levin (Democratic)Jimmy Panetta (Democratic)Madeleine Dean (Democratic)Katherine M. Clark (Democratic)Steve Cohen (Democratic)Susan A. Davis (Democratic)Suzan K. DelBene (Democratic)Thomas R. Suozzi (Democratic)John P. Sarbanes (Democratic)Adriano Espaillat (Democratic)Lucille Roybal-Allard (Democratic)Peter A. DeFazio (Democratic)Daniel T. Kildee (Democratic)Ted Lieu (Democratic)Ro Khanna (Democratic)Sean Patrick Maloney (Democratic)Henry C. "Hank" Johnson (Democratic)Stephen F. Lynch (Democratic)Mark DeSaulnier (Democratic)Harley Rouda (Democratic)Joseph D. Morelle (Democratic)Elaine G. Luria (Democratic)Gregory W. Meeks (Democratic)Hakeem S. Jeffries (Democratic)Jerrold Nadler (Democratic)Theodore E. Deutch (Democratic)Anna G. Eshoo (Democratic)Mark Takano (Democratic)Pramila Jayapal (Democratic)Betty McCollum (Democratic)Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democratic)Brad Sherman (Democratic)Bonnie Watson Coleman (Democratic)Antonio Delgado (Democratic)Salud O. Carbajal (Democratic)Jamie Raskin (Democratic)Joe Neguse (Democratic)Mike Quigley (Democratic)Janice D. Schakowsky (Democratic)James P. McGovern (Democratic)Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (Democratic)Maxine Waters (Democratic)Adam Smith (Democratic)Nydia M. Velázquez (Democratic)Julia Brownley (Democratic)William R. Keating (Democratic)Yvette D. Clarke (Democratic)Rick Larsen (Democratic)Peter Welch (Democratic)Bennie G. Thompson (Democratic)Earl Blumenauer (Democratic)Lori Trahan (Democratic)Charlie Crist (Democratic)Seth Moulton (Democratic)Mike Thompson (Democratic)Suzanne Bonamici (Democratic)Zoe Lofgren (Democratic)Nanette Diaz Barragán (Democratic)Jesús G. "Chuy" García (Democratic)Jimmy Gomez (Democratic)Grace Meng (Democratic)Rashida Tlaib (Democratic)Ayanna Pressley (Democratic)Alcee L. Hastings (Democratic)Veronica Escobar (Democratic)Lloyd Doggett (Democratic)Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democratic)Gerald E. Connolly (Democratic)Chellie Pingree (Democratic)Grace F. Napolitano (Democratic)Katie Porter (Democratic)Susan Wild (Democratic)Mike Levin (Democratic)Judy Chu (Democratic)

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Ways and Means Committee, Foreign Affairs Committee, Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, Energy and Commerce Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2020 This bill sets forth requirements related to waste and recycling collection systems for a variety of products and materials, including plastics. The bill makes certain producers of products (e.g., packaging, paper, single-use products, beverage containers, or food service products) fiscally responsible for collecting, managing, and recycling or composting the products after consumer use. In addition, the bill establishes (1) minimum percentages of products that must be reused, recycled, or composted; and (2) an increasing percentage of recycled content that must be contained in beverage containers. Beginning on January 1, 2022, the bill phases out a variety of single-use products, such as plastic utensils. The bill also sets forth provisions to encourage the reduction of single-use products, including by establishing programs to refund consumers for returning beverage containers and by establishing a tax on carryout bags. The bill creates a temporary moratorium on new or expanded permits for facilities that manufacture plastics until regulations are updated to address pollution from the facilities. The Environmental Protection Agency must publish guidelines for a national standardized labeling system for recycling and composting receptacles. Producers must include labels on their products that are easy to read and indicate whether the products are recyclable, compostable, or reusable. Finally, the bill establishes limitations on the export of plastic waste to other countries.
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Timeline
Feb 11, 2020
Introduced in House
Feb 11, 2020
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Feb 12, 2020
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
Jun 11, 2020

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 116-3944
Introduced in Senate
  • February 11, 2020
    Introduced in House


  • February 11, 2020
    Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.


  • February 12, 2020
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.


  • June 11, 2020

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 116-3944
    Introduced in Senate

Environmental Protection

Related Bills

  • S 116-3263: Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2020
  • S 116-3944: Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2020
Accounting and auditingAdministrative law and regulatory proceduresAdvanced technology and technological innovationsAdvisory bodiesAir qualityAlcoholic beveragesAlternative and renewable resourcesAquatic ecologyBusiness recordsChild healthCivil actions and liabilityClimate change and greenhouse gasesCongressional oversightConsumer affairsDrug, alcohol, tobacco useEcologyEnvironmental assessment, monitoring, researchEnvironmental healthEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA)Environmental regulatory proceduresFood industry and servicesFood supply, safety, and labelingGovernment information and archivesGovernment studies and investigationsGovernment trust fundsHazardous wastes and toxic substancesIndian lands and resources rightsIndustrial facilitiesInflation and pricesIntergovernmental relationsInternational organizations and cooperationLicensing and registrationsManufacturingMarine and coastal resources, fisheriesMarine pollutionMarketing and advertisingMaterialsNavigation, waterways, harborsOil and gasPerformance measurementPollution liabilityPublic-private cooperationRacial and ethnic relationsRetail and wholesale tradesSales and excise taxesSocial work, volunteer service, charitable organizationsSolid waste and recyclingState and local government operationsState and local taxationTax-exempt organizationsTrade restrictionsUser charges and feesWater qualityWater use and supplyWorker safety and health

Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2020

USA116th CongressHR-5845| House 
| Updated: 2/12/2020
Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2020 This bill sets forth requirements related to waste and recycling collection systems for a variety of products and materials, including plastics. The bill makes certain producers of products (e.g., packaging, paper, single-use products, beverage containers, or food service products) fiscally responsible for collecting, managing, and recycling or composting the products after consumer use. In addition, the bill establishes (1) minimum percentages of products that must be reused, recycled, or composted; and (2) an increasing percentage of recycled content that must be contained in beverage containers. Beginning on January 1, 2022, the bill phases out a variety of single-use products, such as plastic utensils. The bill also sets forth provisions to encourage the reduction of single-use products, including by establishing programs to refund consumers for returning beverage containers and by establishing a tax on carryout bags. The bill creates a temporary moratorium on new or expanded permits for facilities that manufacture plastics until regulations are updated to address pollution from the facilities. The Environmental Protection Agency must publish guidelines for a national standardized labeling system for recycling and composting receptacles. Producers must include labels on their products that are easy to read and indicate whether the products are recyclable, compostable, or reusable. Finally, the bill establishes limitations on the export of plastic waste to other countries.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Feb 11, 2020
Introduced in House
Feb 11, 2020
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Feb 12, 2020
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
Jun 11, 2020

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 116-3944
Introduced in Senate
  • February 11, 2020
    Introduced in House


  • February 11, 2020
    Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.


  • February 12, 2020
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.


  • June 11, 2020

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 116-3944
    Introduced in Senate
Alan S. Lowenthal

Alan S. Lowenthal

Democratic Representative

California

Cosponsors (94)
Dwight Evans (Democratic)Kim Schrier (Democratic)Jared Huffman (Democratic)Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democratic)Barbara Lee (Democratic)Joseph P. Kennedy (Democratic)Raúl M. Grijalva (Democratic)Joyce Beatty (Democratic)Lisa Blunt Rochester (Democratic)David J. Trone (Democratic)Ed Case (Democratic)Emanuel Cleaver (Democratic)Sheila Jackson Lee (Democratic)Derek Kilmer (Democratic)Debra A. Haaland (Democratic)C. A. Dutch Ruppersberger (Democratic)Ilhan Omar (Democratic)Eliot L. Engel (Democratic)Frederica S. Wilson (Democratic)Juan Vargas (Democratic)Andy Levin (Democratic)Jimmy Panetta (Democratic)Madeleine Dean (Democratic)Katherine M. Clark (Democratic)Steve Cohen (Democratic)Susan A. Davis (Democratic)Suzan K. DelBene (Democratic)Thomas R. Suozzi (Democratic)John P. Sarbanes (Democratic)Adriano Espaillat (Democratic)Lucille Roybal-Allard (Democratic)Peter A. DeFazio (Democratic)Daniel T. Kildee (Democratic)Ted Lieu (Democratic)Ro Khanna (Democratic)Sean Patrick Maloney (Democratic)Henry C. "Hank" Johnson (Democratic)Stephen F. Lynch (Democratic)Mark DeSaulnier (Democratic)Harley Rouda (Democratic)Joseph D. Morelle (Democratic)Elaine G. Luria (Democratic)Gregory W. Meeks (Democratic)Hakeem S. Jeffries (Democratic)Jerrold Nadler (Democratic)Theodore E. Deutch (Democratic)Anna G. Eshoo (Democratic)Mark Takano (Democratic)Pramila Jayapal (Democratic)Betty McCollum (Democratic)Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democratic)Brad Sherman (Democratic)Bonnie Watson Coleman (Democratic)Antonio Delgado (Democratic)Salud O. Carbajal (Democratic)Jamie Raskin (Democratic)Joe Neguse (Democratic)Mike Quigley (Democratic)Janice D. Schakowsky (Democratic)James P. McGovern (Democratic)Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (Democratic)Maxine Waters (Democratic)Adam Smith (Democratic)Nydia M. Velázquez (Democratic)Julia Brownley (Democratic)William R. Keating (Democratic)Yvette D. Clarke (Democratic)Rick Larsen (Democratic)Peter Welch (Democratic)Bennie G. Thompson (Democratic)Earl Blumenauer (Democratic)Lori Trahan (Democratic)Charlie Crist (Democratic)Seth Moulton (Democratic)Mike Thompson (Democratic)Suzanne Bonamici (Democratic)Zoe Lofgren (Democratic)Nanette Diaz Barragán (Democratic)Jesús G. "Chuy" García (Democratic)Jimmy Gomez (Democratic)Grace Meng (Democratic)Rashida Tlaib (Democratic)Ayanna Pressley (Democratic)Alcee L. Hastings (Democratic)Veronica Escobar (Democratic)Lloyd Doggett (Democratic)Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democratic)Gerald E. Connolly (Democratic)Chellie Pingree (Democratic)Grace F. Napolitano (Democratic)Katie Porter (Democratic)Susan Wild (Democratic)Mike Levin (Democratic)Judy Chu (Democratic)

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Ways and Means Committee, Foreign Affairs Committee, Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, Energy and Commerce Committee

Environmental Protection

Related Bills

  • S 116-3263: Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2020
  • S 116-3944: Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2020
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Accounting and auditingAdministrative law and regulatory proceduresAdvanced technology and technological innovationsAdvisory bodiesAir qualityAlcoholic beveragesAlternative and renewable resourcesAquatic ecologyBusiness recordsChild healthCivil actions and liabilityClimate change and greenhouse gasesCongressional oversightConsumer affairsDrug, alcohol, tobacco useEcologyEnvironmental assessment, monitoring, researchEnvironmental healthEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA)Environmental regulatory proceduresFood industry and servicesFood supply, safety, and labelingGovernment information and archivesGovernment studies and investigationsGovernment trust fundsHazardous wastes and toxic substancesIndian lands and resources rightsIndustrial facilitiesInflation and pricesIntergovernmental relationsInternational organizations and cooperationLicensing and registrationsManufacturingMarine and coastal resources, fisheriesMarine pollutionMarketing and advertisingMaterialsNavigation, waterways, harborsOil and gasPerformance measurementPollution liabilityPublic-private cooperationRacial and ethnic relationsRetail and wholesale tradesSales and excise taxesSocial work, volunteer service, charitable organizationsSolid waste and recyclingState and local government operationsState and local taxationTax-exempt organizationsTrade restrictionsUser charges and feesWater qualityWater use and supplyWorker safety and health