Microplastics Newsletter: Q2 2026
Microplastics News & Updates
U.S. Federal Microplastics Initiative Announced in April
In April 2026, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a coordinated federal initiative to address microplastics in drinking water and the environment. A key component of the initiative is EPA's inclusion of microplastics on the draft Sixth Contaminant Candidate List (CCL 6) under the Safe Drinking Water Act, marking the first time microplastics have been formally identified as a priority contaminant group for future research and potential regulation. The agencies also launched the $144 million STOMP (Systematic Targeting of MicroPlastics) program, which aims to improve methods for detecting, understanding, and removing microplastics from the human body.
Following EPA’s decision to include microplastics on the CCL 6, eight Senate Democrats have issued a letter outlining specific actions EPA could take, including addressing the full lifecycle of plastic pollution and requiring nationwide monitoring through the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR). Additionally, a coalition of state attorneys general submitted a comment letter urging the EPA to include microplastics in UCMR Rule 6 to monitor public water systems, collect drinking water data, and support future regulation.
Charleston Waterkeeper to File Citizen Suit for Nurdles Discharge
Charleston Waterkeeper, represented by Southern Environmental Law Center (SLEC), has issued a notice of intent to sue four companies located along the Charleston Harbor (South Carolina) over plastic pellet (“nurdle”) pollution. According to the SELC notice, the alleged violations involve ongoing discharges of plastic pellets from facilities along the Cooper River into surrounding waterways, which are described as violations of the Clean Water Act and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Sampling by Charleston Waterkeeper has documented more than 25,000 nurdles in marshes, beaches, and downstream areas since 2021. The notice states that the pollution is causing harm to the harbor, nearby waterways, and the organization’s mission.
U.S. Regulatory Updates
Initiatives
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The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) “Great American Cotton Plan” is promoting a “Plant Not Plastic” initiative to encourage the use of natural cotton fibers instead of synthetic, petroleum-based materials such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic. The “Plant Not Plastic” effort is part of broader federal concern regarding microplastics associated with synthetic fibers. The initiative links support for the cotton industry and encourages a consumer shift toward natural fibers and away from plastics-based materials.
Passed Legislation
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March 2026 – Colorado (SB-26-016, Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act): SB-26-016, otherwise known as the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act, was passed by Colorado’s legislature in March 2026. Under this bill, permits will no longer be issued allowing pellet discharge to waterways and land, and facilities are prohibited from discharging plastic pellets or preproduction plastic to land and waterways.
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May 2026 – California (SB 54 – Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act): SB 54 (Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act) establishes an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program requiring producers to fund and manage recycling and disposal systems for packaging and single-use plastics, with reduction and recycling targets through 2032.
Proposed/Introduced/Pending Legislation
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February 2026 – Alaska (HB 332): Alaska introduced House Bill 332 (HB 332), which would establish a statewide program to monitor microplastics across environmental media. HB 332 would also direct the state to develop a comprehensive microplastics strategy by 2029, including an assessment of environmental and human health impacts, major sources, and potential mitigation measures.
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March 2026 – New York (Assembly Bill A4716): Bill A4716 (the “Washing Machine Microfiber Filtration Act”) would require all new washing machines sold in the state to include a built-in or inline microfiber filtration system and would also require a consumer-facing label on proper filter use. Beginning January 1, 2030, compliance would be required for all washing machines offered for sale in New York, and civil penalties would be issued for non-compliance.
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May 2026 – Alaska (HB 25): Alaska's pending bill HB 25 would prohibit food service establishments and state-operated food facilities from providing food in disposable polystyrene foam (Styrofoam®) containers. If approved, the ban would take effect on January 1, 2027, and would apply to restaurants and other food service providers, although it would not prohibit the retail sale of foam containers.
International Regulations & Developments
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January 2026 – Canada: Canada’s Federal Court of Appeal upheld the federal government’s authority to regulate “plastic manufactured items” under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), reversing a prior Federal Court ruling that had found the designation invalid. The decision confirms that Canada’s Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations remain in force. The government stated it will continue working with provinces, Indigenous groups, industry, and other stakeholders to advance measures aimed at reducing plastic pollution and supporting a more circular plastics economy.
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February 2026 – Switzerland: The third part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.3), held on 7 February 2026 in Geneva, continued negotiations on a global legally-binding treaty on plastic pollution, including marine environments. Delegates worked from a revised consolidated draft text that refined the structure and options for key treaty provisions, including plastic production measures, product design requirements, chemicals of concern, and waste management. No final agreement was reached on core substantive issues, including whether the treaty should include global limits on plastic production. Parties agreed to continue intersessional technical and legal work ahead of the next negotiation session.
