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I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Sen. Susan Collins for her leadership in sponsoring the Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act. This bipartisan legislation, introduced alongside Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, is a critical step in protecting wastewater systems from the costly and damaging effects of non-flushable products.
Communities across Maine and the country are facing increasing challenges due to wipes and other non-flushable materials clogging pipes, damaging equipment, and driving up maintenance costs for municipalities and ratepayers. The WIPPES Act will establish clear, nationwide labeling standards to ensure that consumers are properly informed about what can and cannot be safely flushed. This commonsense solution will help prevent costly repairs and protect our vital wastewater infrastructure.
Collins has a long history of working across the aisle to find practical solutions to real problems, and this legislation is another example of her commitment to Maine communities. By taking action now, we can reduce environmental harm, save taxpayer dollars and ensure that wastewater systems function as they should.
I urge Congress to swiftly pass this important legislation and encourage Mainers to join me in thanking Collins for her leadership on this issue.
Phil Hendricks
St. Albans
