Bill · S. 897· Senate(119-S-897)
Farewell to Foam Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 3/6/2025
- Last activity
- 3/6/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Chris Van Hollen
- Cosponsors
- - 10 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Farewell to Foam Act of 2025" aims to prohibit the sale and distribution of certain expanded polystyrene products. Specifically, it bans expanded polystyrene food service ware, loose fill, and coolers. These prohibitions are set to take effect on January 1, 2028. The bill applies to manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and food service providers. The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency is tasked with enforcement and the creation of necessary regulations.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+5
The ban reduces the amount of non-biodegradable foam waste that enters ecosystems and landfills.
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+5
The bill explicitly protects access to specialized foam containers needed for medical devices and biological products.
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?+4
Banning expanded polystyrene products reduces the production of petroleum-based plastics, which helps lower carbon emissions.
The opposite· 3 of 4
Would business owners be better off under this?-4
Manufacturers, distributors, and food service providers face increased operational constraints and potential civil penalties.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?-3
The ban on specific packaging materials imposes new compliance costs and operational restrictions on small food service providers and retailers.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?-1
The ban may lead to higher costs for prepared food and goods as businesses pass on the cost of more expensive packaging.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Protection for Medical Needs: The definition of an "expanded polystyrene cooler" specifically excludes portable containers intended for use with drugs, medical devices, or biological products (Section 2). This ensures that medical storage remains available.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Restrictions on Food Service Providers: Starting January 1, 2028, food service providers will be prohibited from selling or distributing expanded polystyrene food service ware, such as bowls, plates, cups, lids, and cartons (Section 3, Section 2).
-
Restrictions on Packaging and Coolers: Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers will be prohibited from selling or distributing expanded polystyrene loose fill (packing peanuts) and expanded polystyrene coolers starting January 1, 2028 (Section 3).
-
Financial Penalties for Violations: Entities that violate the ban after receiving a written notification may face civil penalties. These penalties increase with subsequent violations, ranging from $250 for a second violation to $1,000 for the fourth and any subsequent violations (Section 4).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+5Reduces Carbon Emissions+4
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support-3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For People With Disabilities+5Good For Business Owners-4Good For Low Income Households-1Good For Middle Class Households-1
- 5/22/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/6/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 11 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Richard DurbinDemocrat · Illinois
Angus KingIndependent · Maine
Edward MarkeyDemocrat · Massachusetts
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California
Bernie SandersIndependent · Vermont
Adam SchiffDemocrat · California
Ron WydenDemocrat · Oregon
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont
Elizabeth WarrenDemocrat · Massachusetts