WASHINGTON (April 2, 2026) – Today the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) held a press conference that included discussion of microplastics. The following may be attributed to Kimberly Wise White, Ph.D., vice president of regulatory and scientific affairs at the American Chemistry Council (ACC):
ACC has consistently worked to advance the science on microplastics. Along with our counterparts around the globe, the plastic and chemical industries have supported more than 100 microplastic researchers worldwide, convened scientists to strengthen the body of research, and are contributing to research on standardized materials and methods, environmental behavior and human health. Additionally, ACC continues to call on Congress to pass the Plastic Health Research Act (PHRA), which would establish a coordinated federal agency approach to microplastics research and support sound science-based policymaking.
Consistent with those efforts, we support science-driven monitoring of microplastics in drinking water and research to better understand potential impacts. People want clear answers on microplastics, and any drinking water monitoring program must address several existing hurdles, including developing clear definitions, ensuring adequate lab capacity, and standardizing sampling and testing methods to be used consistently across the country.
ACC and its member companies stand ready to share their expertise with EPA and HHS as this work moves forward. We encourage those interested in learning more to visit MicroplasticsInfo.org for clear, science-based information and analysis on microplastics.
