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HB 871

An Act amending the act of June 22, 1937 (P.L.1987, No.394), known as The Clean Streams Law, in other pollutions and potential pollution, providing for notice of discharge endangering public health or environment.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Wendy Fink and 6 co-sponsors

NC directs UNC–Chapel Hill Collaboratory to study microplastics in state waters, assess ecological/health risks, develop a risk framework and action plan, with a report due July 1, 2026.

Referred to Environmental & Natural Resource Protection
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Bill Summary · HB 871

HB 871 — North Carolina Microplastics Study Act

Status: Introduced / First reading (bill text filed Apr 9, 2025)
Primary sponsor: Rep. Price

Main purpose

Directs the North Carolina Collaboratory (UNC–Chapel Hill) to study the occurrence, ecological and human health risks, and control strategies for plastic particles (including microplastics and nanoplastics) in the State’s waters and to produce a comprehensive risk assessment and recommendations for action.

Key provisions

  • Establishes title and definitions:
    • “Collaboratory” = North Carolina Collaboratory at UNC–Chapel Hill.
    • “Microplastics” = plastic particles between 1 nanometer and 5 millimeters (bill text).
    • “Nanoplastics” = plastic particles less than 1 nanometer (bill text).
    • Defines macroplastics, primary/secondary microplastics, raw plastic materials, nurdles, and inland waters.
  • Charges the Collaboratory with duties to:
    • Identify and characterize plastic particles in State waterways.
    • Research ecological and human-health impacts.
    • Develop and prioritize a statewide research plan and a risk-assessment framework.
    • Develop standardized methods for sampling, detection, and characterization.
    • Investigate sources and pathways and evaluate prevention/reduction approaches (source reduction, stewardship, barriers, cost–benefit).
    • Recommend policy changes and further research needs.
    • Implement strategies to prevent future introduction and remediate existing harm where feasible.
  • Collaboration and staff support:
    • Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) shall provide staff support; Collaboratory may hire or contract additional staff within available resources.
    • Collaboratory to work with the State Division of Water Resources and other government entities and stakeholders.
  • Authorities:
    • Collaboratory may enter into contracts or cost-sharing agreements with public or private agencies for R&D.
  • Deliverable and timeline:
    • Submit a comprehensive report (findings, detailed risk assessment, recommended actions) to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources and the Environmental Review Commission by July 1, 2026.
  • Funding:
    • Appropriates $150,000 from the General Fund to the Collaboratory, effective July 1, 2025, to support study activities (research, hearings, stakeholder meetings, report development).
    • Encourages pursuit of partnerships and federal grants to supplement funding.
  • Effective date:
    • “Except as otherwise provided, this act is effective when it becomes law.” (Appropriation effective July 1, 2025.)

Who is affected

  • Primary: UNC–Chapel Hill Collaboratory (lead implementer), DEQ and the Division of Water Resources (support/collaboration).
  • Secondary: state and local environmental managers, research institutions, nonprofits, industry stakeholders (plastic producers, waste managers), coastal and inland fisheries, drinking water and public-health agencies, and communities reliant on affected waterways.
  • Longer term: seafood consumers, recreational water users, and ecosystems if recommendations are implemented.

Potential impact and next steps

  • Produces baseline data, standardized sampling methods, and a risk-assessment framework to inform policy, monitoring, and remediation priorities.
  • May lead to statutory or regulatory changes, targeted prevention strategies (e.g., source controls, stewardship programs), and funding needs beyond the initial $150,000.
  • Outcomes depend on Collaboratory findings, stakeholder engagement, and availability of follow-up resources for implementation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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