On June 23, the Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act passed in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The bipartisan, bicameral legislation requires wipe manufacturers to label their products as non-flushable to protect wastewater infrastructure from damage.

“This common-sense, practical legislation will prevent rate hikes and protect water infrastructure,” said Chairwoman of the act Lisa McClain (R-Michigan).

Chairwoman McClain reintroduced the bill for the 119th Congress with Rep. Kevin Mullin (D-California), Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), and Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine).

“Improper disposal of wet wipes damages wastewater infrastructure, costing California utilities and consumers tens of millions of dollars a year,” Mullin said. “That’s why water professionals nationwide strongly support the WIPPES Act, which mandates clear ‘Do Not Flush’ labeling. This commonsense 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.”

“When non-flushable wipes back up our wastewater system, it hurts our infrastructure, our environment, and our wallets,” Merkley said. “Accurately labelling wipes and other products as ‘non-flushable’ is a necessary step to help consumers appropriately dispose of their waste. The House passage of our bipartisan WIPPES Act brings it one step closer to becoming law and protecting our water supply and wastewater infrastructure.”

 “Many consumers who use wet wipes are unaware that flushing these products creates significant problems for plumbing, wastewater treatment equipment, and septic systems,” Collins said. “This bipartisan legislation would require manufacturers to label non-flushable wet wipes, providing consumers with the information they need to safely dispose of them, and helping prevent homeowners and taxpayers from having to pay for expensive repairs.”

The bill is supported by many outside groups and local government, including ISSA, the worldwide cleaning association. Using the ISSA Advocacy Action Center, ISSA encourages industry professionals to email their senators to follow suit by passing this legislation to reduce utility costs, consumer confusion, and pollution. Click here to for more information.

CNN reported the U.S. Department of Defense plans to stop sharing satellite data that is crucial for hurricane forecasting on July 31, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said. The data derives from a tool that studies tropical storms and hurricanes and reveals where the strongest rain bands and winds are likely to be and how they are shifting.

The defense department’s rationale for ceasing this satellite data reportedly has to do with cybersecurity concerns about the way the data is transmitted to NOAA and NASA. The department will continue the Defense Meteorological Satellite program, but it would just stop sharing the data with other agencies.

The announcement has upset meteorologists and other agencies official as the U.S. is in the middle of hurricane season. The Atlantic hurricane season, which is forecast to be an unusually active one, lasts until November 30.