Bill Text: MI SCR0021 | 2015-2016 | 98th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A concurrent resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact legislation that prohibits the manufacture and sale of consumer products containing plastic microbeads.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Republican 6-1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2015-12-08 - Referred To Committee On Natural Resources [SCR0021 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2015-SCR0021-Introduced.html
Senator Schmidt offered the following concurrent resolution:
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 21.
A concurrent resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact legislation that prohibits the manufacture and sale of consumer products containing plastic microbeads.
Whereas, Manufacturers have been adding plastic microbeads to facial scrubs, toothpaste, and other personal care products for years. After use of these products, microbeads wash down drains but are not removed by most municipal wastewater treatment plants. Once in the environment, they degrade very slowly, if at all; and
Whereas, Plastic microbeads are now found in ever-increasing quantities in the Great Lakes and the oceans. Studies have identified these particles in concentrations as high as 180,000 particles per square mile in areas downstream of major cities on the Great Lakes, with average concentrations of 17,000 particles per square mile in the Great Lakes; and
Whereas, Plastic microbeads pose a threat to aquatic life in the Great Lakes and the oceans. These small particles can be mistaken for food by fish and other aquatic life, providing no nutritional value and potentially affecting growth. In addition, toxic pollutants may concentrate on the surface of plastic microbeads, increasing exposure to fish and people that eat fish; and
Whereas, Allowing the continued buildup of plastic microbeads in the Great Lakes runs counter to the current efforts to clean up the lakes. Michigan, the other Great Lakes states, and the federal government invest millions of dollars each year to protect and restore the Great Lakes and their billion-dollar commercial and sport fisheries; and
Whereas, The most efficient and cost-effective means to stop the buildup of plastic microbeads is to eliminate them from consumer products. Plastic microbeads are not essential, and these products will still be effective without them. Plastic microbeads may also be replaced with natural alternatives. It is far easier to remove plastic microbeads from products than install expensive upgrades to wastewater treatment plants throughout the country; and
Whereas, Industry leaders have begun to voluntarily phase out plastic microbeads. Unilever and some other companies have already removed all plastic microbeads from their personal care products. Other major companies, such as Johnson & Johnson, L'Oréal, and Proctor & Gamble, have pledged to phase out polyethylene microbeads; and
Whereas, Current federal legislation (H.R. 1321) would prohibit the sale or distribution of cosmetics containing plastic microbeads. If enacted, all plastic microbeads in these products, whether biodegradable or not, would be phased out over the next three years. Enactment would apply uniform standards across the country to all manufacturers and ensure the protection of our treasured waters; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact legislation that prohibits the manufacture and sale of consumer products containing plastic microbeads; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
