Virginia House Bill HB33

Virginia 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/18/23
• Refer: 12/18/23

Caption

Public drinking water; Commissioner of Health's work group to study occurrence of microplastics.

Impact

The implications of HB33 are significant for state laws pertaining to public health and environmental standards. By focusing on the reduction of microplastics within drinking water, the legislation underscores the importance of clean water and public health, aiming to protect consumers from potential health risks associated with microplastic contamination. The findings and recommendations produced by the work group will be crucial in informing future legislative actions and public policies, potentially leading to more stringent water quality regulations in Virginia.

Summary

House Bill 33 aims to address the issue of microplastics in the public drinking water supply of Virginia. The bill mandates the Commissioner of Health to convene a work group composed of various stakeholders, including waterworks operators, advocacy groups, and consumers of public drinking water. This group is tasked with studying the occurrence of microplastics in drinking water and formulating strategies to mitigate their presence. The efforts will include comprehensively assessing current levels of contamination and identifying potential sources contributing to this issue. Furthermore, the bill encourages exploring existing regulatory approaches from other states and federal regulations that might be applicable.

Contention

Although the bill promotes a proactive approach to addressing microplastics, potential points of contention may arise regarding the operational and financial implications for waterworks operators and the feasibility of implementing the recommended strategies. Furthermore, stakeholders may debate the effectiveness of proposed measures and the scope of the work group's studies, which could influence public opinion and further legislative developments in the area of environmental health and safety.