Bill seeks to limit phosphorus in cleaning products

WASHINGTON — U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak recently introduced legislation seeking to place limitations on cleaning products from containing more than 0.5 percent phosphorus, according to the Michigan News.

According to the article, H.R. 3946 would help protect the Great Lakes by requiring the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide the U.S. Congress with recommendations on how to address the problem of high levels of phosphorus in the water system.

Though several states have previously instated similar bans with success, many feel that a national phosphorus limit is necessary, the story stated.

Stupak said: "Healthy Great Lakes ecosystems are vital to the economic and cultural well-being of the state of Michigan. As too many nutrients, including phosphorus, are dumped into our waters, the Great Lakes suffer harmful effects such as algae blooms. This legislation ensures a comprehensive plan to address high levels of phosphorus and protect our Great Lakes for generations to come."

The proposed bill would amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to limit cleaning products from containing more than 0.5 percent phosphorus, the story noted.

When too much phosphorus enters the waterways, it causes excessive growth of algae, which, in turn, robs the water of the oxygen aquatic life needs to survive, the story added.

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