A resolution designating July 2025 as "Plastic Pollution Action Month".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 320
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-14: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S4338)
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-06T19:26:51Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution aims to raise awareness about the global and domestic impacts of plastic pollution on human health and the environment. It designates July 2025 as "Plastic Pollution Action Month" to encourage individuals and communities in the United States to take voluntary actions to reduce plastic use, waste, and pollution throughout the year.
Key Provisions
- Background Facts ("Whereas" Clauses): The resolution outlines the scale of plastic pollution, including:
- Global production of about 460 million tons of plastic annually, projected to triple by 2050.
- In the U.S., low recycling rates (4-6% in 2021, with less than 3% recycled into similar-quality products); 73% landfilled, 19% incinerated, 3% mismanaged, and 5% recycled (per 2024 OECD data).
- Single-use plastics make up at least 40% of production; over 12 million tons enter oceans yearly from land, expected to triple by 2040 without action.
- Oceans contain an estimated 171 trillion pieces of plastic, mostly sunk (94%); over 2,000 marine species affected.
- Human health risks from ingesting microplastics (found in blood, lungs, etc.), with people consuming up to 1.5 million particles daily.
- Benefits of reducing production, cleaning up litter, reusing, and recycling; references to initiatives like "Plastics Free July" and the International Coastal Cleanup (which has collected over 380 million pounds of debris with 18 million volunteers in the past 50 years).
- Actions ("Resolved" Clause): The Senate:
- Designates July 2025 as "Plastic Pollution Action Month."
- Recognizes the dangers of plastic pollution to health and the environment.
- Encourages all U.S. individuals to participate in activities to reduce plastic pollution during July 2025 and ongoing.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force or enforceable requirements. It introduces no changes to existing laws, statutes, or regulations; it serves only as a symbolic declaration to promote awareness and voluntary action.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: May increase public education and participation in anti-pollution efforts, such as switching to reusable items, joining cleanups, or reducing single-use plastics, potentially leading to behavioral changes that decrease waste and litter.
- On Government Agencies: No direct mandates, but could inspire federal or state environmental agencies (e.g., EPA) to support related programs or events; the Senate's endorsement might amplify advocacy for future policy on recycling or waste management.
- On International Relations: Highlights the need for global cooperation on a transnational issue, potentially supporting U.S. involvement in international environmental agreements, but has no binding diplomatic effects.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Individuals and Communities: Primary focus, as the resolution urges personal actions to reduce plastic footprints.
- Environmental and Health Organizations: Groups like those behind "Plastics Free July" or the International Coastal Cleanup may gain visibility and momentum for their initiatives.
- Government Entities: The U.S. Senate (as the adopting body) and potentially agencies dealing with environmental protection or public health.
- Industries: Plastic producers, recyclers, and waste management companies could face indirect pressure for improved practices, though no regulations are imposed.
- Marine and Wildlife Groups: Affected by ocean pollution references, benefiting from heightened awareness.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution (S. Res.), it requires only Senate approval and does not need House or presidential action; it has no statutory weight and cannot create obligations or penalties.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority to express policy positions under Article I, but carries no enforcement power, avoiding any First Amendment or due process concerns.
- Political: Symbolically advances bipartisan environmental priorities (introduced by Senators Merkley, Booker, et al., and referred to the Judiciary Committee), potentially building momentum for substantive legislation on pollution without partisan controversy; emphasizes collective action amid growing climate and health debates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (5)
Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT], Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-14: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S4338)
- 2025-07-14: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Designating July 2025 as Plastic Pollution Action Month. — issued 2025-07-14 — PDF (4 pages)