Senator Panepinto Applauds Signing Of Erie County Microbead Prohibition Law

Panepinto: “A monumental step in effectively reversing the damage done to our waterways by these harmful pollutants - but it should not end here.” 

Buffalo, N.Y. - Today, Senator Marc Panepinto (D-Buffalo) applauded the actions of Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, for signing the Local Microbead Prohibition legislation into law. Sponsored by Legislator Pat Burke and unanimously passed by the Erie County Legislature last month, the bill will remove hundreds of consumer products containing microbeads from area stores.

In June, Senator Panepinto stood with Senator Tim Kennedy (D-Buffalo) and Legislator Burke along the shores of Lake Erie in support of the Microbead-Free Waters Act (S.3932). The bill passed in the New York State Assembly but failed to be brought to a vote on the Senate floor.

Today, Senator Panepinto praised County Executive Poloncarz and County Legislators for accomplishing what members of the Senate Republican Majority failed to do:

“With the signing of the Local Microbead Prohibition into law, Erie County is at the forefront of a national movement against microbead pollutants. The collaborative efforts of County Executive Poloncarz, Legislator Burke and the Erie County Legislature serve as a shining example of effective government. This comprehensive plan is a monumental step in effectively reversing the damage done to our waterways by these harmful pollutants - but it should not end here. A statewide ban on microbeads is imperative to a healthy waterfront now and in the future. Senator Kennedy and myself will continue that fight in Albany to keep our waterways clean and build upon the hard work of our colleagues here in Erie County.”

The Microbead-Free Waters Act (S.3932) passed the Assembly in April. Co-sponsored by Senator Panepinto, the legislation would accomplish the following:

• Prohibits the sale of personal cosmetic products which contain microbeads

• Authorizes the Department of Environmental Conservation to enforce associated rules and regulations

• Imposes a fine up to $2,500 each day the law is violated