AUGUSTA (AP) — A bill that would ban consumer products that contain “microbeads” is moving forward in the Maine Legislature.
The Environment and Natural Resources Committee unanimously endorsed the bill on Wednesday.
The Portland Press Herald reported that Maine is one of about two dozen states where such legislation is being considered. Similar laws have been passed in Illinois and New York.
Environmentalists said the tiny plastic beads, which are typically used as exfoliants in things like soap, end up in lakes, rivers and oceans and are threatening fish and wildlife.
Officials from the Personal Care Products Council and Consumer Healthcare Products Association also support the bill. Chris Jackson, a lobbyist for the groups, said that many companies have already begun phasing microbeads out of their products.
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