summary
Introduced
04/09/2025
04/09/2025
In Committee
04/10/2025
04/10/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT TO DIRECT THE NORTH CAROLINA COLLABORATORY TO STUDY THE NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF THE PRESENCE OF MICROPLASTICS IN THE WATERS OF THE STATE AND TO RECOMMEND STRATEGIES FOR ADDRESSING THE NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF MICROPLASTICS. Whereas, microplastics can be ingested by aquatic organisms, transferring toxic chemicals into their tissues; and Whereas, microplastics accumulate in food chains, impacting a wide range of species, disrupting reproductive systems and ecological balance; and Whereas, microplastics can carry pathogens and pollutants, potentially spreading diseases and contaminants throughout waterways; and Whereas, contaminated drinking water and seafood containing microplastics pose potential health risks to humans; and Whereas, microplastics break down into nanoplastics, which are even harder to detect and remove, making cleanup efforts challenging and contributing to long-term waterway pollution; and Whereas, the presence of microplastics in waterways degrades water quality and biodiversity, threatening the overall health of aquatic ecosystems; Now, therefore,
AI Summary
This bill establishes the North Carolina Microplastics Study Act, which directs the North Carolina Collaboratory (a research organization at UNC-Chapel Hill) to conduct a comprehensive study of microplastics in the state's waterways. The bill provides detailed definitions for various types of plastic particles, including microplastics (plastic particles between 1 nanometer and 5 millimeters) and nanoplastics (plastic particles smaller than 1 nanometer). The Collaboratory will be tasked with identifying plastic particles in waterways, researching their harmful impacts on ecosystems, collaborating with stakeholders, and developing strategies to prevent and mitigate plastic pollution. The study will include creating standardized sampling methods, assessing environmental impacts, investigating pollution sources, and developing a risk assessment framework. The Collaboratory is required to submit a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations to legislative committees by July 1, 2026, and will be provided $150,000 in funding to support the research. The study aims to understand the potential ecological and health risks associated with plastic particles and propose actionable solutions to reduce their presence in North Carolina's water systems.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (22)
Kanika Brown (D)*,
Deb Butler (D)*,
Pricey Harrison (D)*,
Renée Price (D)*,
Eric Ager (D),
Cynthia Ball (D),
Mary Belk (D),
Gloristine Brown (D),
Allen Buansi (D),
Becky Carney (D),
Maria Cervania (D),
Aisha Dew (D),
Julia Greenfield (D),
Zack Hawkins (D),
Frances Jackson (D),
Carolyn Logan (D),
Jordan Lopez (D),
Marcia Morey (D),
Garland Pierce (D),
Phil Rubin (D),
Brian Turner (D),
Julie Von Haefen (D),
Last Action
Ref to the Com on Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House (on 04/10/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H871 |
| BillText | https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2025/Bills/House/PDF/H871v1.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2025/Bills/House/PDF/H871v0.pdf |
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