Summary

Creates a coordinated federal research program and a centers-of-excellence program within HHS to study plastic exposure (including macro-, micro-, and nanoplastics) and potential health effects. It authorizes HHS to award grants and contracts to academic, nonprofit, public, or consortium entities (including collaborations with private partners), requires development of standardized methods and reference materials, mandates interagency coordination and data sharing, and sets reporting requirements to Congress. Authorizes $10 million per year for each program for FY2026–2030, requires initial and annual reports for four years after the first report, and directs collaboration with EPA, FDA, NOAA, NIST, and NIEHS to expand and coordinate research, validate testing methods, and increase public awareness as warranted.

Key Points

• Creates a coordinated federal research program on plastic exposure and health effects within HHS, working with EPA, FDA, NOAA, NIST, and NIEHS.
• Defines "plastic exposure" to include macro-, micro-, and nanoplastics from production, use, recycling, degradation, and waste.
• Authorizes grants and contracts to public, nonprofit, academic entities or consortia (including private collaborations) to advance study and methods.
• Establishes centers of excellence with 5-year grants to develop standardized definitions, validated testing methods, and exposure/risk assessment tools.
• Prioritizes development of vetted, reproducible methods, standard definitions, validated testing protocols, and reference materials.
• Requires a report to Congress within 1 year of enactment and annual reports for four years thereafter.
• Authorizes $10 million per year for each program (coordinated research and centers) for FY2026–2030; authorization, not direct appropriation.
• Emphasizes interagency coordination and public awareness without immediately changing regulatory obligations.

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