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HB 4028

Relating to the regulation of preproduction plastic by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Rafael Anchía and 3 co-sponsors

HB 4028 empowers the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to regulate preproduction plastic materials, addressing microplastic pollution from manufacturing before waste disposal.

Left pending in committee
#environmentalquality #texascommissionon(v0334) #environment--general(i0340) #environment--water(i0320) #stateagencies #boards&commissions(i0749)
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Bill Summary · HB 4028

Legislative bill overview

HB 4028 would authorize the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to regulate preproduction plastic—raw plastic materials and pellets used in manufacturing—within Texas. The bill establishes a regulatory framework allowing the state to set standards, monitoring requirements, and compliance measures for plastic producers and processors before plastic enters the waste stream.

Why is this important

Preproduction plastic loss is a significant source of microplastic pollution in waterways and ecosystems. Texas, as a major petrochemical and plastic manufacturing hub, generates substantial quantities of preproduction plastic waste that can escape during transport, storage, and processing. Regulating this source addresses pollution at an earlier stage than typical end-of-life plastic waste programs.

Potential points of contention

  • Industry burden and costs: Manufacturers and plastic producers may argue that new TCEQ regulations create compliance expenses and operational constraints, potentially increasing production costs or prompting relocation to less-regulated states
  • Regulatory scope and overlap: Questions about whether TCEQ has adequate expertise and resources to manage preproduction plastic regulation, and potential conflicts with federal EPA authority or existing state regulations
  • Economic competitiveness: Concerns that Texas-specific regulations could disadvantage the state's petrochemical industry relative to competitors in other states with lighter regulatory frameworks

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

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